CHILD cruelty offences went up by 45 per cent in a single year in Dorset.

The number of incidents of child cruelty and neglect recorded by Dorset Police rose by 45 per cent from 2013/14 to 2014/15, according to figures revealed by the NSPCC.

The charity’s annual child protecting review, How Safe Are Our Children, shows parents or carers were reported in connection with 34 offences in 2012/13, which fell to 20 in 2013/14 before jumping back up to 29 in 2014/15.

Nationally, the NSPCC’s helpline received 16,000 calls about a child suffering from neglect last year.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC regional head of services for south west England, said: “Neglect is the most common form of abuse in the UK and can wreak havoc on a child’s brain development, emotional well-being, ability to form relationships and mental health. These children are more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. For some, neglect can be fatal.

“It’s an unacceptable situation which must be remedied. And we can only do that by looking out for vulnerable children and making sure they are given the right support to prevent longer term damage to the lives of those who have survived the horror of such neglect and cruelty.

“But it’s not only about stepping in when we spot abuse - prevention is key. That is why parents who need support in raising their children must be given greater help.

“Good relationships between parents and social workers are vital if we are to help families and help end neglect.”

The charity said that while it is unclear why the figures have risen but that greater public awareness and improvement in how police record offences could be factors.

Detective Inspector Dawn Barrett, of Dorset Police, said: “The safety of children in Dorset is a priority for Dorset Police and the Force’s Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) has the responsibility for safeguarding children and investigating child abuse allegations.

"CAIT officers are specially trained, nationally accredited detectives who work closely with other agencies, including local authorities, to ensure children are safe and that the perpetrators of child abuse and neglect crimes are brought to justice.

"The force is working with agencies including Children Social Care, health and education partners to deliver a multi-agency awareness campaign to professionals and the public to spot the signs of neglect.

"Additional training is taking place to train officers in identifying the signs of neglect and the Force is in the process of planning further external awareness information to encourage members of the public to spot the signs.

"The recent rise is in part due to victims, members of the public and health professionals having the confidence to speak up and report such allegations to the police.

"I urge anyone who has any suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, no matter how small, to report your concerns to the police. The information you have could be that one important piece that could prevent a child from being harmed."