Rise in adults in county seeking advice on child abuse

THE NUMBER of adults seeking advice on child abuse and neglect has increased in Leicestershire.

Children’s charity NSPCC said it has had an increasing number of calls to its 24-hour helpline in recent years and it is referring more people to external agencies such as councils and police to seek help.

In Leicestershire, some 312 contacts were passed on to authorities in 2015/16, compared to 209 in 2012/13 - an increase of 49%.

NSPCC says the figures reflect an increasing refusal for the public to turn a blind eye when it comes to the welfare of children, as well as a growing demand for action to prevent child abuse.

Neglect related referrals saw the largest increases in Leicestershire last year, with 134 contacts passed on compared to 76 in 2012/13 - a 76% rise.

Referrals because of emotional abuse rose by 51% from 31 in 2012/13 to 47 in 2015/16.

The number of contacts referred because of physical abuse increased by almost a quarter – from 63 in 2012/13 to 78 last year.

Two people were passed on to Leicestershire authorities last year following concerns around child slavery.

Peter Wanless, CEO of NSPCC, said: “These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high profile scan- dals and the ongoing investigation into nonrecent child abuse.”

The free helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection.

People can call the helpline on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting www.nspcc.org.uk