Shropshire Star

Sharp rise in number of child cruelty and neglect cases in Shropshire and Mid Wales

The number of child cruelty and neglect cases recorded by police across Shropshire and Mid Wales has increased in three years, with figures in the Dyfed-Powys area more than doubling, according to the NSPCC.

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The charity's annual child protection review – How Safe Are Our Children? – shows parents or carers were reported in connection with 120 offences in West Mercia in 2014/15, compared to 103 in 2012/13 and in Dyfed-Powys, this figure rose from 63 in 2012/13 to 104 in 2014/15 – a massive 65 per cent increase.

Across England, there was a 40 per cent increase, from 6,069 in 2012/13 to 8,506 in 2014/15.

The huge increase in cases is reflected in the number of calls made to the NSPCC helpline – over 16,000 – about children suffering neglect.

Call the NSPCC helpline

  • If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact the NSPCC's professional counsellors 24/7 for help, advice and support.

  • Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

18 or under?

  • ChildLine offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.

  • Call 0800 1111

Sandra McNair, NSPCC West Midlands head of service, said: "Neglect is the most common form of abuse in the UK and can seriously harm a child's brain development, emotional well-being, ability to form relationships, and mental health.

"These children are more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic disorder, and even suicidal thoughts.

"For some, neglect can be fatal.

"These levels of neglect simply do not belong to the 21st century. Many of these lonely, frightened, children have to resort to desperate measures to survive after being left to fend for themselves and it shames our nation that these numbers are so high. It's an unacceptable situation which must be remedied.

"And we can only do that by looking out for vulnerable children and making sure that they are given the right support to prevent longer term damage to the lives of those who have survived the horror of such neglect and cruelty."

Adults called with fears about children who were starving and dirty, young people who lived in rat-infested homes, while other contacts reported parents who were drunk or left their children to fend for themselves.

Neglect is a feature in six out of 10 Serious Case Reviews, which are undertaken when a child dies or is seriously injured and abuse is believed to have been a factor.

It is the most common reason for a child to be on a child protection plan in England (45 per cent).

One 14-year-old boy who called the NSPCC's ChildLine service said: "I know it sounds disgusting but sometimes I feel like eating pet food because it's all there is in the house.

"If I ask them (my parents) for anything they become really angry and hit me. Sometimes I feel killing myself will be the only way out."

The NSPCC's campaign, It's Time, is calling for all child victims of abuse to be given timely, appropriate therapy to help them overcome their traumatic experience and rebuild their lives.

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