Lincolnshire police record 100 child cruelty and neglect offences.

It's during the period 2019-2020

Author: Hannah NorburyPublished 2nd Dec 2020

New findings from the NSPCC show Lincolnshire police record 100 child cruelty and neglect offences in the last year alone.

That's a significant increase from the 56 offences during 2016-2017 and the 22 that were recorded in 2013-2014.

The NSPCC also examined the number of offences that took place in the first three months of the spring lockdown and found that 5,476 child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded by police forces across the country from 1st April to the 30th June this year.

Senior police have argued that this does not provide the full picture of what children may have experienced during those months.

They say they've issued this new information as a warning that children may be at risk of abuse this Christmas and that everyone needs to play their part in keeping young people safe.

Signs of abuse:

Untreated injuries, medical and dental issues

Repeated accidental injuries caused by lack of supervision

Recurring illnesses or infections

Faltering weight or growth, and not reaching developmental milestones

Poor language, communication or social skills

Have unwashed clothes

Have inadequate clothing, like not having a winter coat

Living in an unsuitable home environment – for example without adequate heating, or dog mess being left

Left alone for a long time

Taking on the role of carer for other family members

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC said:

“The pandemic is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and these figures are yet another example of its impact on vulnerable children. They also provide a heart-breaking picture of the concern about the number of young people who were exposed to pain and suffering following the start of the pandemic.

“This year it is even more essential that children have a place where they can seek help and support. Our Childline service will be running every day over the Christmas holidays, but we need the public’s support so we can ensure vulnerable children are heard.”

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