Child cruelty offences in Yorkshire and the Humber jump by 83% in a single year
The NSPCC says cases in North Yorkshire have increased by 12%
NSPCC can today reveal child cruelty and neglect offences in Yorkshire and the Humber increased by 83% last year as the country emerged from the pandemic.
In a Freedom of Information request to West Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Police and Humberside Constabulary, the leading child protection charity found there were 3,454 offences recorded in 2021/22 – an average of 9 a day – which is an 83% rise from last year.
A further breakdown of figures revealed cases in West Yorkshire have risen by 200% in two years and in North Yorkshire, offences increased by 12% in the last 12 months.
NSPCC experts warned at the start of the pandemic that an increase in stressors to parents and caregivers, coupled with an increase in children’s vulnerability, and a disruption in normal protective services would lead to an increased risk of abuse.
The charity is highlighting the worrying scale of the problem on its flagship ‘Childhood Day’, and two weeks on from the publication of the Independent Review into Children’s Social Care and the National Review into the deaths of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson.
Both reviews, alongside this new data, reinforce the need for a reset of the child protection system. The NSPCC wants to see children’s social care in England focused on early intervention, with children at its heart. And above all political leadership from the very top of Government.
As thousands of people come together today to back the NSPCC’s Childhood Day, the charity is emphasising that everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.
It is calling on communities to play their part in a collective effort and is encouraging people to contact the NSPCC with any concerns they have about a child, even if they are unsure and want to get advice, learn the NSPCC Helpline number and support Childhood Day by making a donation to the charity.
Paula Hudgell, adoptive mother to Tony whose biological parents were imprisoned for ten years after breaking his legs and failing to get help for days, said: “We have witnessed first-hand the devastating effect of child cruelty and neglect and hope no child ever experiences what Tony went through, however, that won’t be made possible without government leading the way and reforming the children’s social care system.
“We play our part in many ways and have been working with the NSPCC for several years. This year we are going into a local school on Childhood Day to raise awareness of child abuse and join in the school’s Big Breaktime fundraising event for the charity. It is important to celebrate the joys of childhood, but a stark reminder that not every child is lucky enough to experience a happy youth.”
Childhood Day is the NSPCC’s flagship day of fundraising and action that takes place on the second Friday in June every year. This year schools across the UK are taking part in the NSPCC’s Big Breaktime. This is an extra hour of play where they can remember the special things about childhood whilst raising vital funds for the NSPCC.
NSPCC CEO Sir Peter Wanless said: “The statistics we have released today demonstrate the worrying scale of abuse and neglect. This must be a priority for the Government.
“The evidence from a series of reviews have shown where and how to better resource and support a child protection system that works better for all those who need it. Now is the time for action.
“But our message isn’t just for politicians. It’s vital to remember that child abuse can be prevented. As thousands of people get behind Childhood Day today, they demonstrate their support for positive change and their willingness to play a part in keeping children safe.”
The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.