New NSPCC figures reveal scale of child abuse and neglect in East Anglia
The NSPCC Helpline made 2,545 referrals to authorities here in East Anglia between 2021 and earlier this year
New figures released by the NSPCC reveal the scale of child abuse and neglect in the East of England.
Between April 2021 and March this year, the NSPCC Helpline made 2,545 referrals to authorities to authorities in the East raising concerns about local children.
762 of those referrals were down to alleged neglect, 737 were to do with physical abuse and 534 were connection with fears of sexual abuse.
Across the UK almost 23,000 reports were made to authorities about children, an average of 63 a day.
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO said:
“In light of the recent tragic cases and the difficulties and increased risk faced by the younger generation over the past couple of years, it is important we ask if we have learnt the right lessons and challenge ourselves to do all we can to protect children from harm.
"The upcoming Care Review in England and National Panel review of the circumstances behind recent child deaths, provide a golden opportunity to strengthen our system at all levels to ensure it is robust enough to prevent more tragedies from happening.
“As well as the Government playing a leading role, we know that strong communities can help to keep children safe, where thousands of individual people play their part in doing what’s right.
"That’s why we created Childhood Day – a day that brings everyone in the UK together to emphasise why child protection is a top priority.”