Data shows horrifying rise in child cruelty cases in Cumbria

Analysis by the NSPCC - a child cruelty prevention charity - of Freedom of Information (FOI) data from constabularies in England over the last five years shows that cases doubled with 29,406 offences recorded between 2022 and 2023, and 14,263 recorded between 2017 and 2018. In Cumbria, offences rose from 166 to 283 in 2017/18 and 2022/23 respectively - a 69 per cent jump. Commenting on the figures, a spokesperson from Cumbria Constabulary said: "Cumbria police take each and every report of concern for children's welfare extremely seriously.

"Our child cruelty and child neglect statistics have risen due to more people being aware of the issues and signs and therefore have the confidence to report this to us. "This means the police and multi-agency partners are able to intervene earlier. "Our priority at all times is to keep children safe, and we will continue to work with partners to tackle any reports of neglect and cruelty.

"If you suspect a child is suffering from abuse, even if you're not sure, please tell someone. Reports can be made via 101 or by dialling 999 if a child is in immediate danger. "I would like to reassure the public that all reports of child neglect or cruelty are thoroughly investigated, in a sensitive and professional way."

The figures from the NSPCC come after a series of distressing court cases involving the deaths of babies and children, including 18-month-old Alfie Phillips whose mother and partner were found guilty of his murder last week, and the case of Workington's Reece Kelly who murdered his baby son.[1] The child protection system has been under substantial pressure over the last few years, particularly since the pandemic. In 2022-23, more than 655,000 child-in-need assessments were completed by children's social care to determine whether a child requires support from a service.

The NSPCC is calling on the current national government to accelerate its plans to reform the child protection system, ensuring that practitioners across agencies are supported and equipped with the best possible skills. Currently, the frontline of child protection, including health, policing and children's services, is experiencing spiralling costs and high demand. England's largest councils have reported that they are overspending on their budgets by over GBP600million due to 'uncontrollable' spending pressures driving up the cost of delivering services to vulnerable children.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: "The government has pledged to reform the child protection system to provide earlier support for babies, children and young people and stop families' problems escalating to crisis point. "The figures underline why it is urgent that these changes are delivered at pace alongside significant investment. "We cannot afford for this to be delayed any longer as there is a real danger we will continue to see these offences spiral upwards if significant change doesn't happen.

"Through reform and investment, politicians can turn these figures around to ensure babies, children and young people don't experience the scourge of abuse and neglect and, instead, can live safe, happy and healthy childhoods."

References

1. ^ and the case of Workington's Reece Kelly who murdered his baby son. (www.newsandstar.co.uk)