Police are raising awareness of the signs of child abuse as part of a four-week campaign.

The force investigates hundreds of referrals of suspected child abuse cases every year, including neglect, sexual and emotional abuse.

Police will be using targeted social media and running a radio campaign to help raise awareness of the different types of abuse, how to report it and where to get help and support.

Det Insp Bryan Driver said: “The campaign is about raising awareness of the signs of abuse and how to report it, to encourage the public to support us in safeguarding vulnerable children in Cambridgeshire.

“We can all play a role in protecting children from abuse. From teachers and doctors to parents and friends so it is vital that everyone is alert to the signs of abuse.

“From a withdrawn child to one that is displaying signs of neglect, by working together we can protect vulnerable children.

“Our message to anyone who is being abused, or suspects someone they know someone who is, contact police or one of the other support agencies.”

The force has a CAISU (Child Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit), which has a dedicated team of specially trained officers who investigate all new and historical child abuse cases.

About 90 per cent of child abuse cases involve a family member or friend, often leaving victims too scared to report what is happening to them.

Det Insp Driver added: “It is not uncommon at the time of the abuse for a victim not to recognise that what is happening to them is wrong and it’s not until several years later that they realise they were a victim.

“I would urge anyone who thinks this may be them to contact police. Not only will they be ensuring the person responsible for their abuse is dealt with they could also be protecting future victims.”

Contact: Cambridgeshire Police - 101; Child line – 0800 11 11; NSPCC