Child cruelty rise of 25 per cent in a year 'very worrying'

The data obtained by the charity through a Freedom of Information request to police forces in England shows there were 26,307 child cruelty and neglect offences in 2021/22 – an average of 72 a day, which is a 25 per cent rise from last year.

It comes after the NSPCC warned at the start of the pandemic that an increase in ‘stressors’ to parents and caregivers, coupled with a rise in children’s vulnerability, and a disruption in normal protective services would lead to a greater 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-Huges and Star Hobson.

It says that both reviews, alongside the 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.

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.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said, ‘The statistics we have released 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, they demonstrate their support for positive change and their willingness to play a part in keeping children safe.’

A Government spokesperson said, ‘Every child deserves to be safe, happy, and loved. 

‘We have already improved how safeguarding agencies work together locally, putting a shared and equal duty on police, councils and health in local areas to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

‘Following the review into the tragic deaths of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and Star Hobson, we also announced the launch of a new child protection ministerial group that will champion safeguarding at highest levels of Government. 

‘We will set out an ambitious action plan later this year aimed at bringing about a fundamental shift in how we support the most vulnerable children and families.’