WARWICKSHIRE has seen a dramatic increase in the number of reports of child abuse – because people are more alert to the need to safeguard children following celebrity abuse cases.
NSPCC figures show there has been a 58 per cent increase in referrals from its helpline to social services and the police during the past four years, amid rising reports of neglect and physical abuse. In the past year there were nearly 366 referrals compared to 213 in 2012.
The NSPCC say the figures show people are more aware of the need to keep children safe following high profile abuse cases such as those involving Jimmy Savile, Gary Glitter and Rolf Harris.
Sandra McNair, NSPCC Head of Service for the Midlands, said: “These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high profile scandals and the ongoing investigation into non-recent child abuse.
“They have become increasingly concerned and aware of the tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect in children and our helpline is an invaluable service for people worried about the safety of a young person.”
Calls to the charity’s 24 hour helpline ranged from concerns about young people who were victims of sexual abuse to children living in squalid conditions.
The NSPCC Helpline can be contacted by visiting www.nspcc.org.uk, calling 0808 800 5000, or texting 88858.
20th Apr, 2024
