THE number of children being sexually abused by women is rising, shock figures from a child protection charity reveals. More than 2,000 youngsters told counsellors at ChildLine’s East London centre that they had been abused by a woman, most cases by their mother

By Mike Brooke

THE number of children being sexually abused by women is rising, shock figures from a child protection charity reveals this morning.

More than 2,000 youngsters across the UK told counsellors at ChildLine's centre in East London that they had been sexually abused by a woman, most cases by their mother.

The overall proportion of children calling about a female molester has risen from 11 per cent of sex abuse calls in 2005 to 17 per cent this year.

The findings show more children reporting assaults from a woman, usually their mother.

One 14-year-old boy told a counsellor: "When mum drinks too much, she comes into my room, undresses me and makes me have sex with her."

Sexual abuse is still one of the main reasons children contact the charity.

Senior supervisor Mark Bajer said: "Many people find it unimaginable that any woman, let alone a mother, can sexually abuse a child. But that is a dangerous assumption.

"It is so important we remain vigilant, irrespective of gender."

The NSPCC has now expanded the service on 800-1111 to include a Childline website for help.

The Government has pledged �30 million towards expansion, but the NSPCC needs a further �50m and is seeking public support through its Child's Voice appeal.