Sexual Abuse Calls Increase to NSPCC Helpline
The continuing 'Savile effect' has seen a huge jump in the number of serious sexual abuse incidents reported to the NSPCC.
Calls to the charity's 24-hour freephone almost doubled in the last two months - June and July - with nearly 600 cases being referred to police and social services.
In the corresponding period last year there were 323 reports. The 84% rise is the biggest increase in calls about all forms of abuse.
John Cameron, head of the helpline said:
"The number of calls we took this summer was significantly higher than last year. Eight months on, we can confidently say that the Savile scandal is changing the way in which people react to abuse. There appears to be a clear shift and the public now seem better equipped and more confident to report their concerns.
"It's very encouraging to see that adults, including those who don't have direct responsibility for children, take action if they think a child is at risk.
"The Savile scandal has shocked the nation but has also increased public awareness of how difficult it is for children to speak out and how crucial it is for adults to report any suspicions or concerns they have straight away.
"We urge anyone who suspects something is wrong with a child not to hesitate. Don't wait until you're certain, take that vital step immediately and call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. You could save a child from abuse."
Anyone concerned about the safety of a child can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or email help@nspcc.org.uk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls can be anonymous.
Last month the NSPCC launched the Underwear Rule campaign to help parents keep their children safe from sexual abuse. So far the accompanying video has been seen by 1.5m people and another 170,000 have visited our website for advice.
CASPAR NSPCC
Calls to the charity's 24-hour freephone almost doubled in the last two months - June and July - with nearly 600 cases being referred to police and social services.
In the corresponding period last year there were 323 reports. The 84% rise is the biggest increase in calls about all forms of abuse.
John Cameron, head of the helpline said:
"The number of calls we took this summer was significantly higher than last year. Eight months on, we can confidently say that the Savile scandal is changing the way in which people react to abuse. There appears to be a clear shift and the public now seem better equipped and more confident to report their concerns.
"It's very encouraging to see that adults, including those who don't have direct responsibility for children, take action if they think a child is at risk.
"The Savile scandal has shocked the nation but has also increased public awareness of how difficult it is for children to speak out and how crucial it is for adults to report any suspicions or concerns they have straight away.
"We urge anyone who suspects something is wrong with a child not to hesitate. Don't wait until you're certain, take that vital step immediately and call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. You could save a child from abuse."
Anyone concerned about the safety of a child can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or email help@nspcc.org.uk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls can be anonymous.
Last month the NSPCC launched the Underwear Rule campaign to help parents keep their children safe from sexual abuse. So far the accompanying video has been seen by 1.5m people and another 170,000 have visited our website for advice.
CASPAR NSPCC