Cases of child cruelty and neglect in NI now FIVE times higher - new shock figures reveal
NSPCC highlight dramatic rise in offences
Child cruelty and neglect offences in Northern Ireland have increased almost fivefold over the last five years, it emerged today (Tuesday).
The NSPCC said there were 579 child cruelty and neglect offences recorded by police in 2017/18, up from 132 in 2012/13.
Reports to the police included extreme cases of when a parent or carer wilfully assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed their child to serious harm.
To raise awareness of child neglect – the most common type of abuse affecting children in the UK - the NSPCC has launched its ‘Light For Every Childhood’ Christmas Appeal.
The amount of police offences is mirrored by the number of calls made to the NSPCC helpline – totalling 19,937 last year about children suffering neglect - with three quarters referred urgently to police or children’s services.
One NSPCC helpline practitioner recalls a recent referral she made to the police.
Tracey Hamer, NSPCC helpline practitioner said: “The police went out to do a welfare check, and later told me that mum had been found unwell and violently vomiting and unable to care for her little girl, who was 3 years old.
“The house was in a state of disrepair and the kitchen worktops were covered in dirty crockery with mould on them. The washing machine was broken, and mum said that water would come up through the pipes when she tried to use it so she couldn’t clean any clothes."
Recorded police offences of this type reveal only a small part of the picture as social workers work with families when parents cannot meet the needs of their child, and put a plan in place to prevent issues from escalating.
Neil Anderson, Head NSPCC NI said: “It’s unclear exactly why the number of child neglect and cruelty offences in NI has risen so dramatically. Greater public awareness and developments in dedicated PSNI structures in public protection could be factors.
“It is concerning to see the increase in reported crime but it is encouraging that victims are prepared to come forward.
“Whatever the reasons for the increase child neglect is everybody’s problem and we all need to be aware of vulnerable children and be ready to report it to the NSPCC or the authorities if we are concerned for their safety or wellbeing.
“We are appealing to the generous nature of the public to support our Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal to help us be there for even more young people in need.”
Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk