Analysis of Children and Young People's Calls to ChildLine About Abuse and Neglect: A Study for the Scottish Child Protection Review

• NCJ Number: 205762
• Journal: Child Abuse Review Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2004 Pages: 158-171
• Author(s): Sharon Vincent; Brigid Daniel
• Date Published: March 2004
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This sub-project of a larger multidisciplinary inquiry into the murder of a child by her stepfather in Scotland collected information on children's and youth's calls to ChildLine Scotland during a 2-week period.

Abstract

During the 2-week period, 217 contacts that pertained to abuse and neglect were received (216 telephone calls and 1 letter). Of these 217 contacts, 92 percent were new contacts, and 8 percent were follow-up contacts from someone who had previously contacted ChildLine on at least 1 occasion. Six percent of the contacts (13) were from adults who reported the abuse or neglect of a child. Contacts were most likely to be about physical abuse and sexual abuse and least likely to be about neglect or emotional abuse. There were slightly more calls about physical abuse and neglect in the 2-week period than there were over the whole year, and slightly fewer about sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Twelve percent mentioned that they, or the victim when the third party had made the contact, had contact with official child protection agencies. Some youth indicated they did not want any contact with official agencies, indicating they did not trust the police or social workers. Other callers reported they had lied to doctors or teachers about bruises rather than tell the truth about the abuse. On occasion, children who had not yet had any contact with official agencies indicated they would now contact the police or social services after speaking with the ChildLine counselor and discussing their options. One of the key findings of this study was the shortage of accessible therapeutic services for abused/neglected children and youth. Given the reluctance of some abused/neglected children and youth to become involved in the child protection system, it is important that both the public and those who call ChildLine are informed about how such cases are handled, the importance of confidentiality, and the benefits of receiving services. Such services must be delivered promptly and as promised. 4 tables and 23 references