NSPCC petition grabs 400 Hampshire signatures in response to rise in child abuse figures

The NSPCC launched the It’s Time campaign to urge the government to closely monitor the number of children who require support after abuse is reported.

The signatures from Hampshire, which join a nationwide total of almost 30,000, follow new statistics which show a 1,300 per cent increase in locally reported crimes involving child cruelty.

Between 2012 and 2016, the number of recorded crimes rocketed from 69 to 926. However, the NSPCC believes that not all victims are receiving the necessary support.

Colin Peak, head of service for London and the south east said: ‘As a society, if we don’t know exactly how many children are missing out, we can’t do everything we can to help. So it’s essential we find out.

‘This is why we are calling on everyone in Hampshire who hasn’t yet signed the petition to do so. With your help we can change the lives of children who aren’t getting the help they need to overcome their experiences.’