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Half a million children suffer abuse in the UK every year

Last year the NSPCC Helpline contacted agencies about 22,505 children to investigate abuse and neglect concerns – that’s an average of 62 children a day. 1

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New data and research released today paints a worrying picture of the abuse and neglect faced by children. Support children and help us end child abuse by getting involved in Childhood Day 2022.

The NSPCC Helpline is a free, confidential helpline anyone can contact if they’re concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing. Adults call our trained practitioners about anything from worries about their own child and questions about child safety to reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

We work closely with statutory agencies including the police and children’s services, and refer contacts we receive about abuse or neglect if serious, so action can be taken to protect children.

Half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK 2

In 2021/22 the NSPCC’s Helpline contacted agencies about 22,505 children to investigate concerns about abuse and neglect:

  • 8,389 children with concerns of neglect
  • 6,441 children with concerns of physical abuse
  • 4,418 children with concerns of emotional abuse
  • 3,013 children with concerns sexual abuse
  • and 244 for sexual abuse online.3

We’re releasing analysis that sets out the scale and breadth of this issue so we can come together and take action to protect children from abuse and prevent it from happening.

I was the eldest of seven siblings and grew up in a chaotic household. I was subjected to emotional and physical torment and made to believe that I was saying, thinking and doing things I wasn’t. I spent four years in care.

 

My father abused me from a young age and in 2011, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. I wish someone, at some point, had picked up the phone and called the NSPCC Helpline. I would have got the right help a lot earlier and it wouldn’t have done as much damage.

 

The NSPCC is just as important now as it was when I was a little girl. Whatever else is going on, it’s vital we all play our part for children suffering abuse.

Emma Frost was abused as a child. She wishes someone spoke out on her behalf and is calling on everyone to support the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, so that the charity can continue to take vital calls via the Helpline.

Get involved with Childhood Day

We must end child abuse

An average of

children a day
are referred to agencies to investigate for abuse or neglect
Over
%
of cases referred
to children services and the police were made about children aged nine and under
We estimate

children
in a classroom experience abuse before they turn 18

Statistics from left  to right 4, 5 and 6.

Everyone is responsible for keeping children safe

Childhood Day is our flagship day of fundraising and action that brings everyone in the UK together to protect children.

Everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. This means:

  • sharing any concerns with NSPCC Helpline – even if you’re unsure
  • Governments across the UK prioritising child protection at a national level
  • everyone across the UK to uniting on the 10 June for Childhood Day to raise money and awareness for the NSPCC.

Whether it’s by fundraising, donating, volunteering at a collection, or taking action, we’re asking you to play your part to help keep children safe from abuse.

Get involved in Childhood Day!

You can also support us by

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Ways to give

The more people that join us, the more we can help children and young people. Big or small, there are lots of ways to donate and make things better for children.
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Campaign with us

2 minutes of your time could change a child’s life – whether it’s signing a petition or emailing your MP. Campaign with us to help keep children safe.
Find out more
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Fundraise with us

Whether you're running your first marathon, baking up a storm, attending a special event or fundraising at school — we've got everything you need to succeed.
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References

  1. 1. Total number of children involved in Helpline referrals about abuse and neglect in 2021/22 was 22,505. Of the 22,505 children in referrals, 15,512 (69%) were children aged nine and under. 

  2. 2. Analysis by the NSPCC estimates that half a million children a year suffer abuse in the UK. Based on 2.5% of under 11s and 6% of 11 to 17 year olds who had experienced maltreatment by a parent or guardian in the previous year. (Radford, 2011) and child population data for 2011 (Harker et al, 2013 - How safe are our children?)

  3. 3. Between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 the NSPCC Helpline contacted agencies about 22,505 children to investigate concerns about abuse and neglect. This includes concerns about physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse online and neglect. The charity referred 8,389 children to statutory agencies with concerns of neglect, 6,441 because of physical abuse, 4,418 because of emotional abuse, 3,013 for sexual abuse and 244 for sexual abuse online

  4. 4. In 2021/22 the NSPCC’s Helpline for adults contacted agencies about 22,505 children to investigate concerns about abuse and neglect - an average of 62 children a day. 

  5. 5. In 2021/22 the NSPCC’s Helpline for adults contacted agencies about 22,505 children to investigate concerns about abuse and neglect - an average of 62 children a day. 

  6. 6. 7 children in a classroom experience abuse before they turn 18. Based on 25.3% of 18-24 yr-olds who reported severe maltreatment before the age of 18 (Radford, 2011), and a class size of 26