The number of referrals to authorities made by the NSPCC Helpline has increased 58% since 2012
The number of calls to a charity-run helpline about serious child abuse or neglect has dramatically risen since the Jimmy Savile allegations first came to light.
The NSPCC Helpline has seen a 58% rise in calls from members of the public in Scotland that were so serious they were referred to external agencies such as councils and the police.
New figures from the charity's free 24-hour helpline for adults to share concerns about a child revealed operators in Scotland made 1,722 referrals in 2015/16 compared to 1,091 referrals in 2012/13, the year the investigation into sexual abuse allegations by Savile was launched.
These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high profile scandals
Overall, the number of people contacting the helpline in Scotland increased by 22% from 1,885 in 2012/2013 to 2,297 last year.
Matt Forde, national head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said the rise in figures showed the public is increasingly unwilling to turn a blind eye when it comes to the welfare of children, and reflected a growing demand for advice and action to prevent child abuse.
“These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high-profile scandals and the ongoing investigation into non-recent child abuse,” he said.
“They have become increasingly concerned and aware of the tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect in children and our helpline is an invaluable service for people worried about the safety of a young person.
“But when people are worried, and feel they need to speak to someone, they can be reassured they will be listened to and taken seriously.”
The concerns raised by members of the public who contacted the helpline included worries about young people who were victims of sexual abuse, children living in squalid conditions and hungry toddlers.
The number of physical abuse referrals made by the charity has increased from 259 in 2012/13 to 386 last year. Sexual abuse referrals have increased from 144 to 187 and the number of neglect referrals have risen from 499 to 803.
The NSPCC Helpline, whose number is 0808 800 5000, is separate to the ChildLine helpline, which the NSPCC also operates.
