Thousands of young victims of crime may have missed out vital support since the start of the pandemic, campaigners have warned.
The charity Victim Support said 7,800 fewer children and young people had accessed vital help in England and Wales between March 23 and January 3, compared to pre-coronavirus levels.
The slump contrasts with increases in adult referrals, prompting concern that school closures meant children and young people were “suffering in silence”.
Labour has written to the Government, demanding urgent help for vulnerable youngsters during the latest lockdown. It comes as Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he hoped schools could reopen fully by Easter - but failed to give a guarantee.