A child sex abuse helpline set up in the wake of the allegations posted on the Everyone’s Invited website will continue for another three months.
Department for Education funding for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to run the free hotline was due to end last week.
The Report Abuse in Education service launched in April to support those who have experienced sexual abuse and harassment after thousands of abuse allegations were published online.
Funding has now been secured for another three months, meaning the hotline will be available until the end of this year. The total cost for the helpline is £200,000.
The helpline has so far had 721 calls – more than 100 a month – with 129 referred to a statutory agency. Of the 254 calls where further information was given, 130 were an adult or child victim. Of these, 78 were female, 45 male and two transgender.
Kam Thandi, head of the NSPCC Helpline, said it has been a “lifeline” for people, many who felt “unable to reach out for help and support”.
“We are very pleased it will be staying open until the end of the year, allowing us to continue using our safeguarding expertise to provide free and confidential emotional support and practical guidance.”
Baroness Diana Barran, academies minister, said: “Since the helpline opened, children, young people, and adults have been supported by the helpline and we’re extending it until the end of the year so that more individuals can get the vital support and advice they deserve.”
The Everyone’s Invited website has published more than 16,000 testimonies of sexual abuse and harassment in its bid to highlight the issue and eradicate “rape culture”.
Individuals can access the service by calling 0800 136 663 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk
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