Child cruelty and neglect crimes rise in Northern Ireland

Recorded child cruelty and neglect offences are increasing, NSPCC Northern Ireland has revealed.

In Northern Ireland, there were 500 child cruelty and neglect offences recorded by police in 2018/19, which has more than doubled from 184 in 2013/14.

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Across the UK, police recorded more than 20,000 cases last year alone.

Reports to police included extreme cases of when parents or carers deliberately neglected, assaulted, abandoned or exposed their child to serious harm and unnecessary suffering.

To raise awareness of child neglect and abuse the NSPCC has launched its Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal.

The NSPCC Christmas Appeal is calling for donations so it can be there for children suffering from neglect and abuse at Christmas and all year round. 

The charity’s Childline service is the only service there for children 24/7 during the upcoming festive period, but it needs support for 2020 and beyond.

There are several potential reasons for the rise in child cruelty and neglect crimes, from greater public awareness and increased incidents because of pressure on families.

In addition, recorded police offences of this type don’t reveal the full picture of neglect in the UK because often, there is local intervention before many of these cases are reported as a crime. 

In 2018/19 there were 974 children from Northern Ireland on The Child Protection Register for concerns involving neglect. This figure accounts for 59% of all children on The Register.

Neil Anderson, head of NSPCC NI said, “To see the number of neglect and cruelty offences rise so dramatically is disturbing but sadly not surprising. In 2018/19, the NSPCC’s adult helpline dealt with 984 child welfare contacts in Northern Ireland and neglect was the second most common reason for referral. 

“Greater public awareness could be a factor in these increases, but deeper societal issues such as increasing pressure on parents could also be leaving more children vulnerable and exposed to pain and suffering.

“Whatever the reasons for the rise, cruelty to children is never ok, it is vital that children always have a place they can go to seek help and support, day and night. Childline never stops and never sleeps, but for this to continue we need the public’s support and to back our ‘Light for Every Childhood’ Appeal,” he added.

Just £3 pays for Childline to answer a call with a neglected or abused child, to donate visit the NSPCC website.

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk

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Posted by NewryTimes News on Dec 5 2019. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry