Child abuse concerns have soared during lockdown

Concerns about child abuse have soared since national lockdown measures were first introduced, the NSPCC has found – with the average monthly number of referrals by its helpline on the issue soaring 65 per cent in the North West.

By Post reporter

Published 23rd Dec 2020, 09:47 BST

Updated 23rd Dec 2020, 16:18 BST

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The NSPCC analysed its data from April to November and found concerns about emotional abuse, neglect and physical abuse remains well above the pre-pandemic average.

Since April, the helpline has received 31,359 contacts from adults across the UK anxious about child abuse or neglect, referring half of these on to external agencies like the police and social services for further action.

This has led to an average number of monthly referrals in the region of 338 post-lockdown, up from a 205 average pre-lockdown.

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