CHILDREN in Wiltshire could be left at serious risk of harm this Christmas because people are less likely to report abuse over the festive season.

The NSPCC is reminding people that their helpline is available 24-hours a day all year round to offer help and guidance for anyone experiencing family tension, those concerned about a child or anyone concerned about their own behaviour.

Almost 65,000 people called the helpline last year to voice concerns, which works out at an average of 178 calls per day.

However, over the Christmas period, calls started to drop and on Christmas Day only 63 calls were received. Many of these were about children being physically or sexually assaulted or badly neglected, and three calls from Wiltshire resulted in immediate help from the police or social services.

John Cameron, head of the helpline, said: “Some children don’t get a Christmas break from cruelty. It can happen at any time, any day. But people seem reluctant to report cases of abuse and neglect at this time of year, possibly because they see it as a happy occasion and don’t want to spoil it.

“However, this means some children could be left in dangerous situations when help should be on its way. Hopefully this year people will realise that a child’s safety is more important and give us a call.”