Concerns about child abuse have soared since national lockdown measures were first introduced, the NSPCC has found – with the average monthly number of referrals from the charity’s helpline on the issue increasing by 81% in the South East.
The NSPCC has analysed its data from April to November and has found that the level of concern about emotional abuse, neglect, and physical abuse remain well above the pre-pandemic average.
Since April, the helpline has received 31,359 contacts from adults across the UK anxious about child abuse or neglect, referring half (50%) of these on to external agencies like the police and social services to take further action.
This has led to an average monthly number of referrals of 360 since the start of the first lockdown compared to 199 prior to lockdown in the South East this year. In the eight months since the start of lockdown there have been 2,882 referrals made in the region about child abuse.
As the festive period fast approaches, the NSPCC has issued the findings as a warning that Christmas can be a very difficult time for children suffering abuse and neglect, and the impact of the Coronavirus could put even more children at risk.
Kamaljit Thandi, Head of NSPCC helpline said:
“These figures highlight the increase in the number of adults reaching out with concerns about the welfare of children since the first national lockdown began.
“It’s no secret that this Christmas is going to be a very different one and for thousands of children, being stuck at home for the holidays will be a terrifying thought. At the NSPCC, we know how important it is that people have the opportunity to speak up when they think a child is at risk of abuse and neglect. Our helpline for adults and Childline will be open every day over the festive period.”
Article continues below this advertisement
As well as urging the public to be extra vigilant during the Christmas holidays, the NSPCC is urging the Government to ensure children and families can get the help they need in the short and long term. To avoid this crisis having a lasting impact on a generation of children, it is crucial that the Government invests long term funding to support them to recover from adverse and traumatic experiences during lockdown and to rebuild their lives.
The charity’s team of professionals working on its helpline for concerned adults and the dedicated volunteer counsellors at Childline will all play a vital role in being here for children this Christmas.
Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week throughout the festive period on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected].
A viler crime is hard to imagine, and as we witness much now organised g ang abuse by non B ritish to our children by certain types, all kept very low key.
Perhaps as fewer jobs will be needed we can limit such coming here, and hopefully lower numbers of such events will occur.