Football abuse hotline gets nearly 900 calls in just a week
The figures come after two North East former players came forward to speak of their experiences.
In just a week, more than 800 calls have been made to a football abuse hotline, after former players including from the North East came forward.
The NSPCC’s dedicated hotline was launched to offer support to victims of child sex abuse within the world of football.
In the first few days of opening, helpline staff made three times more referrals to the police and other agencies than during the first few days of the Savile scandal.
Former Newcastle United player Derek Bell and ex Sunderland player Paul Stewart are among footballers who have broken their silence over historic abuse.
The football helpline was set up with support and funding of the Football Association after former footballer Andy Woodward revealed he had been abused as a young athlete at Crewe Alexandra Football Club, and more professional players subsequently came forward.
Within two hours of the helpline opening on Wednesday November 23, it received 50 contacts from members of the public, and in the first week 860 calls were made.
Within the first three days of lines being open, NSPCC staff made 60 referrals to police or children’s services. This is more than triple the number of referrals made in the first three days of the NSPCC’s Savile helpline opening in 2012.
NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said:
“The number of high profile footballers bravely speaking out about their ordeal has rightly caught the attention of the entire country.
“We have had a staggering surge in calls to our football hotline which reveals the worrying extent of abuse that had been going on within the sport.
“Anyone who wants to contact us can do so in confidence, with the knowledge they will be listened to and supported. In future footballers – both young players and former athletes – must have the confidence to open up about sexual abuse and feel able to come forward.”
The NSPCC offers advice for parents on talking to their children about abuse HERE and advice for parents on child safeguarding in sports clubs such as questions to ask the club about child protection measures in place.
The NSPCC’s football abuse helpline can be contacted 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.