A CAMPAIGN to help confront child abuse across the Tees area is being backed the four local safeguarding children boards.

The Department for Education-led initiative aims to support people who suspect child abuse – but all too often do nothing because they’re afraid of being wrong.

A recent survey showed 42 per cent of people in the North East are put off reporting suspected abuse because they think they might be wrong, while more than a quarter – 27 per cent – would wait until they were absolutely certain abuse or neglect was taking place before making a report.

An ABC of advice has been designed to help people spot the signs of child abuse or neglect, including Appearance – such as frequent unexplained injuries, consistently poor hygiene, matted hair, unexplained gifts, or a parent regularly collecting children from school when drunk; Behaviour - such as demanding or aggressive behaviour, frequent lateness or absence from school; and Communication – such as sexual or aggressive language, self-harming, becoming secretive and reluctant to share information or being overly obedient.

Mark Braithwaite, speaking on behalf of the four Tees Local Safeguarding Children Boards, said: “Abuse is a serious crime that devastates lives. We need to get a clearer picture of the extent of the problem so that agencies are better able to target supportive interventions to give children the protection and care that is their fundamental right, and every one of us has a role to play.

“You don’t have to be absolutely certain about whether a child is being abused - if you have a feeling that something’s not right, contact your local children’s social care team, explain your concerns and they will look into it.

“This campaign has an important role to play in giving people confidence that they will be listened to and that the information they give could transform – or even save – a life.”