Cambridgeshire Police report steep rise in call outs concerning neglect over the last year

The figures obtained by children’s charity The NSPCC show a 53 percent rise in child cruelty and neglect offences across the UK, with 23,529 offences recorded between April 2019 and 2020.

Cambridgeshire’s figures sit just below that but there has still been a 44 percent increase in these types of offences. 104 were reported, up from 72 in the same period last year. This represents a significant rise from 2103/14 when 34 call outs were made.

The NSPCC has issued the findings as part of 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.

To raise awareness of child neglect and abuse this Christmas, a number of iconic UK landmarks including Battersea Power Station will turn green from the 7th December, supporting the NSPCC’s Here for Children Christmas Appeal. The charity has also launched a new TV appeal which depicts some of the heart-breaking abuse contacts the NSPCC run service Childline expects to take in the Christmas holidays.

Over the last six months the NSPCC has been looking closely at the impact of lockdown – and its frontline teams are concerned that increased vulnerability, the challenges of safeguarding remotely and wider pressures on families may have increased the risks of abuse and neglect.

During the spring lockdown, an average of 50 children a day turned to Childline after suffering abuse, with counselling sessions about this issue increasing by 22% compared with pre-lockdown levels. As part of its new appeal, the charity is calling on the public to donate £20 to the NSPCC so that services like Childline can be here for children this Christmas.

The NSPCC is also urging the Government to ensure that a comprehensive recovery plan is put in place that sees children get the help they need in the short and long term, including investment in support for victims before, during and after the criminal justice process.

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.”

The NSPCC have issued a guide to help people spot the signs of neglect, these can include:

- 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

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected].