Neglect

Neglect is the on going failure to meet a child's basic needs. A child may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care. Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious, long-term damage - even death.

It happens when parents or careers can’t or won’t meet a child’s needs. Sometimes this is because they don’t have the skills or support needed, and sometimes it’s due to other problems such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems or poverty

Neglect can occur in many ways e.g. neglect can occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Neglect may even involve a parent or career failing to provide enough food, clothing and shelter.

Types of Neglect

Physical neglect
Failing to provide for a child’s basic needs such as food, clothing or shelter. Failing to adequately supervise a child, or provide for their safety.

Educational neglect
failing to ensure a child receives an education.

Emotional neglect
failing to meet a child’s needs for nurture and stimulation, perhaps by ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them. It’s often the most difficult to prove.

Medical neglect
Failing to provide appropriate health care, including dental care and refusal of care or ignoring medical recommendation.

Domestic Violence

Women

1 in 4 women in England and Wales will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes and 8% will suffer domestic violence in any given year.

Every minute police in the UK receive a domestic assistance call – yet only 35% of domestic violence incidents are reported to the police.

The British Crime Survey (BCS) found incidents of domestic violence in England and Wales. 81% of the victims were women.

Children

• 25% of children in the UK have been exposed to domestic abuse.
• In 90% of domestic violence incidents in family households, children were in the same or the next room.
• 62% of children in households where domestic violence is happening are also directly harmed.