Northern Ireland

NSPCC made 337 referrals about abuse and neglect to PSNI and Social Services last year

A still from the NSPCC Childhood day TV Campaign, which sees a member of the public contact the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a three-year-old boy who is experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother
A still from the NSPCC Childhood day TV Campaign, which sees a member of the public contact the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a three-year-old boy who is experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother A still from the NSPCC Childhood day TV Campaign, which sees a member of the public contact the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a three-year-old boy who is experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother

THE NSPCC referred 337 calls about abuse and neglect to agencies including the PSNI and Social Services last year.

The most common reason for concern was neglect, with 132 referrals being made for further investigation.

The NSPCC also released analysis that sets out the scale and breadth of abuse, estimating that half a million children a year suffer in the UK - seven children in every classroom before they turn 18.

This comes as the NPSCC launches Childhood Day, the charity’s flagship day of fundraising and action.

From May 2, a Childhood Day advert will be broadcast, which shows a member of the public contact the NSPCC helpline with concerns about a three-year-old boy who is experiencing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother.

Bronagh Muldoon, head of services for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said communities can "play a big part in protecting children, where thousands of individuals come together in doing what’s right".

"That’s why we created Childhood Day – a day that brings everyone in Northern Ireland and across the rest of the UK together to emphasise why child protection is a top priority," she said.

Anyone with concerns about a child, can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.