REPORTS of child cruelty and neglect offences in Dorset have risen by nearly 3,000 per cent in the last seven years, according to the NSPCC.

The charity has released new analysis of police data for the whole of the UK, which reveals that there were 23,529 offences recorded by forces in 2019/20.

Although there are significant variations between different regions and nations, overall the analysis finds an increase of 53 per cent compared to 2016/17, and more than double the total in 2013/14.

Figures from Dorset Police revealed a 2,905 per cent increase in the number of offences from 2013/14, rising from 20 to 601.

The NSPCC also examined the number of offences that took place in the first three months of the spring lockdown and found that out of the 5,476 child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded by police from 1st April to the 30th June this year, 140 came from Dorset.

While the figure is startling, senior police have argued that this does not provide the full picture of what children may have experienced during those months.

While not every police-recorded offence leads to a prosecution or child protection outcome, each represents a significant concern raised to the police about a child.

The NSPCC has issued the findings as part of a warning that children may be at risk of abuse this Christmas and that everyone needs to play their part in keeping young people safe.

In a bid to raise awareness and support NSPCC, a number of landmarks across the country will turn green from Monday, December 7.

The charity has also launched a new TV appeal which depicts some of the abuse situations that the NSPCC run service Childline expects to take during the Christmas period.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC said: “The pandemic is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and these figures are yet another example of its impact on vulnerable children.

“They also provide a heart-breaking picture of the concern about the number of young people who were exposed to pain and suffering following the start of the pandemic.

“This year it is even more essential that children have a place where they can seek help and support.

“Our Childline service will be running every day over the Christmas holidays, but we need the public’s support so we can ensure vulnerable children are heard.”

The charity has looked at the impact of lockdown and its frontline teams are concerned that increased vulnerability, the challenges of safeguarding remotely and wider pressures on families may have increased the risks of abuse and neglect.

During the spring lockdown, an average of 50 children a day turned to Childline after suffering abuse, with counselling sessions about this issue increasing by 22 per cent compared with pre-lockdown levels.

As part of its new appeal, the charity is calling on the public to donate £20 to the NSPCC so that services like Childline can support vulnerable children this Christmas.

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk