CASES of child cruelty and neglect in Sussex have increased by more than a third over the past three years.

According to data supplied to the NSPCC by Sussex Police, 156 child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded in 2019/20, which is a 38 per cent increase in three years, compared to 113 offences recorded in 2016/17.

Nationally, cases also increased by 53 per cent during the same period.

During the first three months of the spring lockdown this year, 51 cases of child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded by Sussex Police between April 1 and June 30.

Across the UK, 5,476 child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded during the period and on average, 50 children a day turned to the NSPCC’s Childline service after suffering abuse.

Frontline teams at the NSPCC have raised concerns that pressures on families amid the coronavirus crisis have increased the risks of abuse and neglect, while children have been increasingly vulnerable due to the challenges of safeguarding remotely.

It comes as the charity launches its Here for Children Christmas Appeal, calling on the public to make donations to support the Childline service for children who may be suffering at home over Christmas.

One woman who suffered neglect as a child with a mother who had with a mum who had substance misuse problems said the festive period has always been “bittersweet” due to the emotional memories.

The 27-year-old from Brighton, who did not want to be named, said: “When I was young and Christmas would be alternated between my dad’s and my mum’s house each year, I would dread the ones at my mum’s.

“There were things like the shouting, the arguments and being filled with dread as soon as I saw mum having a glass of wine.

“I remember feeling quite abandoned when my dad or step-mum would drive away, leaving my sister and I there standing outside our mum’s house, as though they had driven us into a warzone and said ‘OK, see you later’.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC said: “The pandemic is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and these figures are yet another example of its impact on vulnerable children.

“They also provide a heart-breaking picture of the concern about the number of young people who were exposed to pain and suffering following the start of the pandemic.

“This year it is even more essential that children have a place where they can seek help and support.

“Our Childline service will be running every day over the Christmas holidays, but we need the public’s support so we can ensure vulnerable children are heard.”

The charity is also encouraging the public to look out for signs of abuse, which include untreated injuries, medical and dental issues, inadequate clothing and poor language skills. Anyone who is concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000.

To donate, visit www.nspcc.org.uk.