Child cruelty cases soar across the West Country

Child cruelty cases soar across the West Country Credit: ITV West Country

The number of child cruelty and neglect cases has risen across the West - with Avon and Somerset recording one of the biggest increases.

The figures were released by the NSPCC in the charity’s annual child protection review – How Safe are our Children.

The huge increase in cases was reflected in the number of calls made to the NSPCC helpline about children suffering neglect.

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

It’s unclear why the figures have risen so dramatically, but greater public awareness and improvements in how police record offences could be factors.

WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT SOMETHING?

  • Continue to talk to the child - Most children who are being abused find it very difficult to talk about it. By having ongoing conversations, the time may come when they're ready to talk.

  • Keep a diary - This is a good way to keep a note of your concerns and the way your child is behaving. It can also help to spot patterns of behaviour.

  • Talk to the child's teacher or health visitor - The professionals who come into contact with the child may also have noticed them acting unusually.

  • Get someone else's perspective - Talk about your worries with a trusted friend or family member or with an NSPCC helpline counsellor. Ask what they think about your concerns.

  • Talk through your worries - You can also report your worries to the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. You don't have to give your name.

Here's a break down for our region:

AVON AND SOMERSET

  • 2012/13 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 145 offences.

  • 2013/14 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 306 offences.

  • 2014/15 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 333 offences.

WILTSHIRE

  • 2012/13 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 23 offences.

  • 2013/14 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 41 offences.

  • 2014/15 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 36 offences.

DORSET

  • 2012/13 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 34 offences.

  • 2013/14 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 20 offences.

  • 2014/15 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 29 offences.

The one part of our region who did not see a rise however was Gloucestershire, which saw a dramatic 50% fall across the three years.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

  • 2012/13 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 32 offences.

  • 2013/14 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 43 offences.

  • 2014/15 - parents or carers were reported in connection with 16 offences.