London, March 21 (IANS) Over two-thirds of British Asians think that reporting child abuse would have a negative affect on the honour of the child's family, a survey revealed.

The survey conducted by the charity National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) questioned over 500 Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. A majority of them rated sexual abuse of a child as having the most negative effect on family honour, followed by physical abuse and then emotional abuse.

"Child abuse happens in all communities and there is no evidence that it is greater amongst British Asians. However, cultural issues and the importance placed on family reputation could mean that it is being hidden away," said Saleha Islam, NSPCC Asian helpline manager.

The NSPCC is a national charity that works to protect children from abuse. Their purpose is to end cruelty to children and protect their rights.

The survey also revealed that 37 percent of the sample had suspected a child was being abused, and half of them knew the child personally. However, 42 percent of those who suspected child abuse did nothing about their concerns, according to information posted on NSPCC website.

Of those who did act, fewer than four percent reported the abuse to the police and only three percent reported it to social services. The majority chose to deal with their concerns themselves.

Respondents also felt unable to turn to their own community. Two-thirds said they did not think their community was open to talking about child abuse. This was reflected in the fact that only three percent told a community leader, a religious leader or someone in a community organisation.