New data shows that child cruelty and neglect cases have climbed by a fourth in only a year.
As England escaped from Covid-19 lockdowns, there was an increase in crimes against children.
High-profile cases, such as Arthur Labinjo-Hughes’ tragic case, have brought attention to the issue.
After months of maltreatment at the hands of his father Thomas Hughes and stepmother Emma Tustin, the six-year-old died.
After the death of 16-month-old Star Hobson, who had ‘catastrophic injuries,’ two women were sentenced to prison less than a fortnight later.
The toddler’s mother, Frankie Smith, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for ‘causing or permitting’ the catastrophe, while her boyfriend, Savannah Brockhill, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for murder.
Concerns were expressed in both cases that telltale symptoms of abuse may have gone unnoticed due to the seclusion of lockdown.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children NSPCC discovered evidence indicating a surge in child abuse.
According to freedom of information requests made to police forces across England in 2021/22, there were 26,307 cruelty and neglect offences reported.
According to the NSPCC, this equates to 72 instances every day, a 25% increase from 21,102 cases the previous year.
Only 36 of England’s 39 police departments responded to the charity’s data requests.
It comes just two weeks after the release of a report investigating the deaths of Arthur and Star, which found that the child protection system needed to be reset.
Sir Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: ‘The statistics we have released today 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 today, they demonstrate their support for positive change and their willingness to play a part in keeping children safe.’