Rise in referrals by child abuse helpline

The number of referrals made by a child abuse helpline to authorities has risen more than a third in the pandemic, latest figures show.

The NSPCC made 2,476 referrals to external agencies in Scotland such as the police and local authorities from April 2020 to March 2021, compared with 1,781 over that period in 2019-20 – a 39% increase.

Referrals are made when concerns reported to the helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.

The top reason for referral from the helpline was parental and adult mental health and behaviour, up by 86% from the previous year to 954.

The charity warns the pandemic has increased the risk of abuse and neglect, with children both more vulnerable and out of sight of people who can keep them safe.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “We’ve been hearing first-hand about the immense pressures families have faced during the pandemic and the heavy toll that has taken on children and young people.

“For some children, this has included experiencing abuse, bereavement and other harm.

“The record number of contacts to our helpline reinforces the need for governments across the UK to put children at the heart of their recovery plans.

“These must go beyond education and address the harm some have experienced so the pandemic doesn’t leave a legacy of trauma for children.

“But this isn’t just a job for our governments.

“Everyone has to play their part in keeping children safe,” he added.