Figures show some people wait at least a month to report child abuse

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NSPCC figures show come people wait at least a month to report child abuse.

The NSPCC is today launching a new campaign, ‘Don’t wait until you’re certain,’ which urges the public not to ignore that niggling doubt about a child’s safety, as concerning new figures show most people wait at least a month before picking up the phone.

In the last six months, 1,129 people from the North West contacted the NSPCC with concerns about a child that were considered so serious they warranted immediate action – 38 of which were from Rochdale. Of those callers from the North West, 28.1% per cent had waited at least a month with an additional 25.5 per cent waiting more than six.

The figures come as an exciting new viral campaign, made by Skins and Billy Elliot director Amanda Boyle, is launched in partnership with parents’ website Netmums.

Amanda Boyle, who held castings for the film with 5 to 7 year olds in Manchester, said: “It has been a privilege to work on such an important campaign, which highlights the very real danger of keeping concerns about a child’s safety to yourself. It’s a thought provoking viral film which we hope will engage members of the public and encourage them to contact the NSPCC. The message is simple: If you’re worried about a child, need advice or want to talk, don’t wait until you’re certain.”

In 2011, a record number of almost 45,000 people across the UK contacted the NSPCC worried about a child.

A caller from the North West contacted the helpline after several weeks of worrying about a child. The caller said: “I don’t know what to do. I didn’t realise it was as bad as it is. He is being physically and emotionally abused by his mother’s partner. He has been witnessing domestic violence and his parents both use cocaine”.

Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulous said: “We know that 1 in 5 children experience severe maltreatment at some point in their childhood. The impact of abuse can be profound, and the longer it continues the greater the risk of long-term physical and emotional damage. These new figures highlight the reality that children are suffering because adults are waiting too long to report their concerns. We are hopeful that this digital campaign will further break down the barriers that prevent people from contacting the NSPCC, and in doing so will help protect more children.”

Anyone who has concerns about a child or wants advice can contact the NSPCC for free 24 hours a day, by calling 0808 800 5000, emailing help@nspcc.org.uk, texting 88858 or using an online reporting form. They can choose to remain anonymous if they wish.