West Sussex workers urged to spot the signs of child abuse
The NSPCC is offering workers who have access to peoples homes free training to help them spot the signs
The NSPCC has joined forces with local authorities and police across Sussex to encourage workers, with access to peoples homes, to take free training to identify the signs of child abuse.
The charity says concerns about child abuse have soared since the first national lockdown, with the average number of monthly referrals increasing by 81% in the South East.
The free training, which can be accessed here, will help workers to:
- Recognise the signs of possible child abuse and neglect
- Report concerns either through your work channels, the NSPCC helpline or, if the concern is urgent, the police
- Support those who may have already witnessed signs of child abuse and provide advice
Detective Superintendent Jon Hull of Sussex Police, speaking on behalf of Community Safety Partnerships across Sussex, said:
“Right now we know that some children in Sussex and nationally are at an increased risk of abuse including sexual abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
“People who work within their community can play an important role in helping keep children safe and spotting possible signs of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
“If you are still working with members of the public, taking the NSPCC’s free, quick training course could mean a child does not have to suffer needlessly during this lockdown.
"If you see something, say something.”
Anna Collishaw-Nikodemus, NSPCC local campaigns manager for Sussex, said:
“We are so pleased that Brighton & Hove Community Safety Partnership, Sussex Police, alongside West Sussex districts and boroughs and the three Sussex safeguarding children partnerships have made the growing threat of child abuse and neglect a priority in this incredibly challenging time.
“Since April, the NSPCC Helpline has received over 31,000 contacts from adults anxious about child abuse or neglect. The monthly average number of contacts has surged 43% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“It is essential that we all play our role in helping to keep children and young people safe. Workers visiting people’s homes during the pandemic have the unique opportunity to see or hear things that others may not. Therefore, it is important that they feel confident in knowing what to do if they are concerned about a child.”
The charity’s team of professionals working on its helpline for concerned adults and the dedicated volunteer counsellors at Childline will all play a vital role in being here for children during the current lockdown.
Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or chat online.
If you think abuse may be happening now, contact Sussex Police on 999 or 101.