A year in review
Helpline highlight
March 2012
Helpline highlight is a series of reports looking at why people contact the NSPCC helpline and how we help.
Helpline highlight: a year in review (PDF, 1.64MB)
reports on the NSPCC’s helpline service in 2011 looking contacts made to the NSPCC and what this can tell us about the levels of abuse and neglect.
Key findings
- In 2011 almost 45,000 people across the UK contacted the NSPCC worried about a child – a 29% increase on the previous year.
- Over the past five years contacts about abuse (neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse) have doubled.
- People still delay contacting the NSPCC with their concerns. In 2011, 56% of people whose call resulted in a referral said they had been concerned about the child for at least a month. Waiting to call could leave a child in danger.
- With a reduction in spending on children’s social care by local authorities and a reduction in preventive services, the NSPCC can help people who are seeking advice before a problem becomes too severe. The NSPCC also works to reduce pressure on children’s services.
Previous Helpline highlights
How the NSPCC helpline protects babiesDecember 2011
Looks into some of the key concerns people who call the NSPCC helpline have about babies.
If you're worried about a child, we're here 24/7 by phone and online. It's free and you don't have to say who you are.
Call: 0808 800 5000 | Text message: 88858
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk | Sign with BSL video service
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Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.