How the NSPCC protects babies
Helpline highlights
December 2011
Helpline highlight is a new series of reports looking at why people contact the NSPCC's helpline service and how we help.
Helpline highlight: how the NSPCC helpline protects babies (PDF, 1.44MB)
is the second in the series and looks into some of the key concerns people who call the NSPCC have about babies.
Key findings
- Between April and June 2011, 851 people contacted the NSPCC's helpline service with concerns about a baby.
- Almost three quarters (74%) of all calls about children under one led to a referral to the police or children's services.
- 44% of people who contacted us about a child under one, were worried the child was being neglected.
- In over half (55%) of all calls that resulted in a referral, the caller said they had heard or seen the child in distress.
- Nearly two thirds (60%) of referrals involved either parental substance misuse, domestic abuse or concerns about the parent's mental health.
- One in three referrals for neglect also featured some form of emotional abuse, physical abuse or both.
Listen to our podcast
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, the NSPCC helpline ambassador, talks about the work of the NSPCC in protecting babies and how protecting babies is everyone's responsibility. In part two she talks through the signs that a baby could be at risk and the short term, long term, physical and psychological consequences of abuse and neglect.
More Helpline highlights
Helpline highlight: a year in reviewMarch 2012
A review of the NSPCC’s helpline service in 2011 looking at contacts made to the NSPCC and what this can tell us about the levels of abuse and neglect.
Further resources on protecting babies
All babies count: children under oneOur pages set out why children under one are an NSPCC priority and what we are doing to protect babies from abuse and neglect.
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
Copyright © 2011 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.