The Brooklyn District Attorney is joining with Jewish charities to crack down on child abuse in the ultra-Orthodox community.

DA Charles Hynes has set up Project Kol Tzedek — “Voice of Justice” — to encourage young victims of abuse to come forward.

“Because of the insular nature of Orthodox Jewish communities, many victims are reluctant to report crimes to secular authorities. This programme will go a long way to address those impediments,” said Mr Hynes.

A victims hotline will be set up, manned by social workers.

There have been five recent prosecutions of men in Chasidic neighbourhoods charged with sexually abusing children, ranging in age from 7 to 15.