Social worker calling on public to report signs of child abuse
60 to 70 children are killed at the hands of their parents or carers every year across England and Wales - more than one a week
Last updated 4th Aug 2023
A social worker is calling on the public to report any signs of child abuse to the authorities.
According to Ray Jones, who is also a professor, 60 to 70 children are killed at the hands of their parents or carers every year across England and Wales - this is more than one a week.
Ray said people need to speak out: "If you're concerned about the care of a child and that the child may not be receiving all the care and concern and consideration that they need, that is what children social services are there for.
"If it's a serious concern, and is an immediate risk to the child, and you think a crime is being committed, contact the police and they'll draw in social services as well.
"Police and children social services should be working together."
In 2020, 36 children died as a result of mal-treatment. One of those was 10-month-old Jacob Crouch who was killed by his step-father in Linton, on the 30th December 2020.
Referring to the murder, Ray said: "The family weren't really on anybody's radar at all in terms of the concerns about what was happening to that little child."
"It happens, I fear, because sometimes, men in particular, get a kick and excitement out of intimidating others.
39-year-old Craig Crouch is expected to be sentenced for Jacobs murder later today.
33-year-old Gemma Barton, Jacob's mother, will also be sentenced for causing or allowing his death.