Press Releases

27 February 2008

The NSPCC has now received over 100 calls from adults reporting allegations of childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse in Jersey.

More than one-third of these calls have come in the last two days and 45 have been referred to the States of Jersey Police, who asked for the free helpline - 0800 169 1173- to be set-up.

Many of the calls have come from England and other countries as well as from Jersey and concern allegations of abuse on the island dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.

John Cameron, Head of the NSPCC Child Protection Helpline said: "Naturally many of the callers have been very emotional and are looking for future counselling and support. They are talking about physical, sexual and emotional abuse and their stories have similar lines.

"It is obviously extremely difficult for them to talk about these things, which happened to many of them when they were teenagers. But the confidential helpline seems to have given them the confidence to speak out.

"When the helpline was set-up last November we had just a trickle of calls but now they are coming in very quickly."

The special free helpline is number is: 0800 169 1173. Lines are open between 9am and midnight. Those calling from outside the UK can also call on: 0044 (0)20 7825 7489. 

Ends

Media office on 020 7825 7403 of hours mobile 07976 206 625