NSPCC reports that a fifth of 11-17-year-olds have been abused
16:08 - 22/02/2011
NSPCC reports that a fifth of 11-17-y...
The NSPCC have released shocking statistics which reveal that nearly one in five 11 to 17-year-olds have suffered from childhood abuse or neglect.
A survey carried out by the charity in 2009 questioned over 2,000 children aged 11-17 and more than 1,500 adults aged 18-24 about their childhood experiences. The first set of results, released recently, revealed that 18.6% of respondents had been sexually abused, severely neglected or physically attacked by an adult, while just over a quarter had suffered severe maltreatment.
In over half of the cases reported, parents or guardians were the perpetrators of the abuse and, overall, one in ten respondents had suffered severe parental neglect at some point during their childhood. The most common form of maltreatment was neglect of emotional needs and a general lack of care and supervision. However, 1.4% of children did suffer severe physical neglect, such as malnourishment.
Although the results of the survey are shocking, they do indicate a decline in some types of childhood abuse and neglect when compared with an earlier study conducted by the NSPCC in 1998-99. While progress is being made, the NSPCC’s Chief Executive, Andrew Flanagan, said that the survey still highlighted the need for earlier intervention in child protection.
He explained: “The scale and impact of child abuse requires a major shift towards earlier intervention in child protection. When children do not get the protection and support they need when they most need it, they can be vulnerable to continuing physical or mental harm and further abuse.”
The NSPCC have now been awarded a government grant worth £11.2million over four years to enable them to continue to invest in their confidential telephone support service, ChildLine, and the NSPCC Helpline, both of which have been extremely important in tackling child abuse.
Flanagan continued: “[...] these findings show progress can be made in the fight against child cruelty – many children are now treated less harshly than previous generations. We believe that heightened awareness and action has contributed to changing public attitudes and behaviours towards children for the better.”
First Response Training can provide Child Protection training for those working closely with children and young people. Perry Leeks, Managing Director at
First Response, says: “This course provides staff with an introduction to the important topic of child protection. It teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and how to work safely as a team with the protection of children in mind.
“It covers the relevant policies and procedures, where abuse may occur and the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as discussing the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual. The course focuses on taking action and the correct channels to follow if you suspect that abuse is taking place. It is an essential course for anyone working in the childcare sector.”
For more information, please call First Response today on 0800 310 2300.
A survey carried out by the charity in 2009 questioned over 2,000 children aged 11-17 and more than 1,500 adults aged 18-24 about their childhood experiences. The first set of results, released recently, revealed that 18.6% of respondents had been sexually abused, severely neglected or physically attacked by an adult, while just over a quarter had suffered severe maltreatment.
In over half of the cases reported, parents or guardians were the perpetrators of the abuse and, overall, one in ten respondents had suffered severe parental neglect at some point during their childhood. The most common form of maltreatment was neglect of emotional needs and a general lack of care and supervision. However, 1.4% of children did suffer severe physical neglect, such as malnourishment.
Although the results of the survey are shocking, they do indicate a decline in some types of childhood abuse and neglect when compared with an earlier study conducted by the NSPCC in 1998-99. While progress is being made, the NSPCC’s Chief Executive, Andrew Flanagan, said that the survey still highlighted the need for earlier intervention in child protection.
He explained: “The scale and impact of child abuse requires a major shift towards earlier intervention in child protection. When children do not get the protection and support they need when they most need it, they can be vulnerable to continuing physical or mental harm and further abuse.”
The NSPCC have now been awarded a government grant worth £11.2million over four years to enable them to continue to invest in their confidential telephone support service, ChildLine, and the NSPCC Helpline, both of which have been extremely important in tackling child abuse.
Flanagan continued: “[...] these findings show progress can be made in the fight against child cruelty – many children are now treated less harshly than previous generations. We believe that heightened awareness and action has contributed to changing public attitudes and behaviours towards children for the better.”
First Response Training can provide Child Protection training for those working closely with children and young people. Perry Leeks, Managing Director at
First Response, says: “This course provides staff with an introduction to the important topic of child protection. It teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and how to work safely as a team with the protection of children in mind.
“It covers the relevant policies and procedures, where abuse may occur and the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as discussing the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual. The course focuses on taking action and the correct channels to follow if you suspect that abuse is taking place. It is an essential course for anyone working in the childcare sector.”
For more information, please call First Response today on 0800 310 2300.
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