Words by

Catharine Fulton

January saw a sharp increase in the number of reported sexual offences against children in Iceland in comparison to recent years, RÚV reports.
Last month 42 sexual offences against children were reported, according to crime news released by police for the month. To put this disturbing figure into perspective: in 2012 there were an average of 10.4 cases of child sexual abuse reported monthly, and in 2011 the average reported cases per month was 9.5.
It has not been said if the staggering increase is due to increased sexual offences being carried out against children or if the rate of reporting such cases has simply increased as the topic is discussed more in Icelandic society.