THE number of locals visiting a website, which helps people who view sexual images of children, has increased for the second year in a row.

There has been a 63 per cent rise in Worcestershire visits to The Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop it Now! Get Help website since 2016.

The Bromsgrove-based charity, which was set up to prevent child sexual abuse, started the website in a bid to help people who view - or want to access - indecent images of children.

It also offers help to their friends and family and professionals who work with those convicted of internet-related sexual offences.

Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary and Bromsgrove’s MP, said: “Child sexual abuse is a truly sickening crime and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to eradicate it from society.

“It’s vital we take action on a number of fronts. That’s why we have given police and prosecutors the tools they need to bring offenders to justice.

“We are educating young people on how they can protect themselves and will be legislating to ensure tech giants are fulfilling their responsibilities to protect our children. “But it is also important to focus on preventative measures that stop potential abusers from committing crimes in the first place. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation plays a key role in this work and has my full support.”

Donald Findlater, the director of the Stop It Now helpline, said: “People viewing sexual images of children online need to know this is not a victimless crime, children are harmed when these images are first made - and afterwards when they are viewed or shared again.

“There are serious consequences for anyone arrested for such behaviour, possibly including imprisonment, losing their job, friendships and relationships, losing contact with their own children as well as ending up on the sex offenders register.

“Confidential help is available to stop viewing these images and to stay stopped. Over these last three years thousands of people, mostly men, have come to us for help to get their lives back on track.

“This additional funding will ensure thousands more get through to stop their illegal behaviour and stay stopped.”

351 people from Worcestershire visited the website last year, compared to 319 in 2017 and 202 in 2016.

To visit the site go on https://get-help.stopitnow.org.uk/