Calls to abuse helpline soar in wake of Savile

Staff at the NSPCC received 594 calls to its helpline in June and July this year to report sexual abuse, compared with 323 in the same period last year.

John Cameron, head of the helpline, said: “Eight months on, we can confidently say that the Savile scandal is changing the way in which people react to abuse. There appears to be a clear shift and the public now seem better equipped and more confident to report their concerns.

“It’s very encouraging to see that adults, including those who don’t have direct responsibility for children, take action if they think a child is at risk.

“The Savile scandal has shocked the nation but has also increased public awareness of how difficult it is for children to speak out and how crucial it is for adults to report any suspicions or concerns they have straight away.”