THE NSPCC Helpline has seen a 49 per cent increase in the number of contacts serious enough to refer to external agencies in Dorset between 2012/13 and 2015/16.

New figures from the free 24-hour helpline showed 204 contacts were passed on to agencies, such as councils and police, in 2015/16 – compared with 137 in 2012/13 when the Savile scandal first came to light.

Referrals because of physical abuse increased by 79 per cent from 29 in 2012/13 to 52 in 2015/16.

And the number of contacts passed on because of sexual abuse increased by 121 per cent – from 14 in 2012/13 to 31 in 2015/16.

Contacts from the public concerned about neglect of a child which were referred increased by 39 per cent, from 59 in 2012/13 to 82 last year.

Across the UK the NSPCC Helpline referred almost 100 contacts each day to social services and police.

The concerns raised by members of the public who contacted the helpline, ranged from those worried about young people who were victims of sexual abuse to children living in squalid conditions, from fears about starving toddlers to youngsters thrust into slavery.

The charity said the figures reflected an increasing refusal for the public to turn a blind eye when it came to the welfare of children, and reflected a growing demand for advice and action to prevent child abuse.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high profile scandals and the ongoing investigation into non-recent child abuse.

“They have become increasingly concerned and aware of the tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect in children and our helpline is an invaluable service for people worried about the safety of a young person.

“But when people are worried, and feel they need to speak to someone, they can be reassured they will be listened to and taken seriously.”

A Helpline counsellor described what happened when a call was referred to the council and police. They said: “The NSPCC received a call from a neighbour who was worried about children living next door. The caller often heard the children crying and screaming over long periods of time with its parents not responding.

“The caller has also heard the children’s mum shouting and swearing at her children and loud thumping and banging. The caller is concerned that the children are being neglected. The NSPCC referred the case to Children’s Services and local police for a welfare check on the children.”

The charity has also launched its new ‘Alfie’ advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of what a child can achieve when freed from abuse.

Adults can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting nspcc.org.uk