THE NSPCC has revealed that last year it referred 36 contacts to its helpline from adults worried a child was being sexually abused to police and children’s services in Somerset.

An additional 16 were made to police and children’s services in North Somerset.

Across the UK in 2016/17, the charity’s free and confidential helpline referred 4,677 calls and emails to local agencies – an increase of 31 per cent on the previous year’s 3,578 referrals.

There were also a further 3,912 contacts where helpline staff gave advice about sexual abuse against young people, 34 of which were from the Somerset area and three from North Somerset.

To ensure as many of these young people are getting the help they need the NSPCC has launched the ‘Light Up Christmas for Children’ appeal.

Children who have experienced sexual abuse may:

n Avoid being alone with people, such as family members or friends.

n Show sexual behaviour that’s inappropriate for their age.

n Have physical symptoms such as a sexually transmitted infection.

One caller, who phoned the NSPCC helpline, said: “I am concerned that a young girl in the neighbourhood might be at risk of sexual abuse by men who visit the house on weekends. There is lots of drinking that goes on and mum doesn’t seem to be too concerned about leaving her alone with them. Mum can be often heard shouting and swearing at the girl and I don’t think she is fit to care for her.”

It is estimated that one in 20 children in the UK have experienced contact sexual abuse. The NSPCC is calling for a new UK government-commissioned, nationwide prevalence study on child abuse and neglect – sooner rather than later – to increase our understanding of the scale of this problem.

John Cameron, Head of Helplines at the NSPCC explained: “It is deeply worrying that so many children are potentially being exposed to such a devastating experience, but at the same time it also suggests that as a society we are much more alert to the risks and much more willing to come forward and share our concerns.

“Sexual abuse can do huge damage to a child’s life and left untreated will often haunt them long into adulthood. It is therefore vital that anyone who suspects a young person is in danger contacts the authorities.”