Child abuse lawyers have stepped up pressure on the Government to set up a helpline for public sector staff to report suspicions.
The Association of Child Abuse Lawyers says it welcomes the Government's current consultation on reporting and acting on child abuse.
But it says there is a groundswell of public opinion to support a new public sector helpline and it should not have to wait for a new law to set it up.
The association's president Peter Garsden said: 'I am relieved that the Government has finally fulfilled its promise to consult in this area and I am optimistic it will result in a change in the law.
'However, we are talking about one of the most serious and sinister offenses, and action to help uncover abuse against children is needed urgently.
'There is a groundswell of support for a publicly funded and widely publicised child abuse helpline, and we need action now.'