Spalding charity leader says sharp rise in cruelty and neglect cases is 'heart-breaking'

The head of a Spalding charity for vulnerable young people has described a sharp rise in child cruelty and neglect cases across Lincolnshire as "heart-breaking".

Jenny Tedbury, owner and director of The Lighthouse Project, said more should be done to help parents "handle their emotions" after a 14 per cent increase in reports of child cruelty and neglect in the UK.

But according to NSPCC figures, Lincolnshire Police saw a 61 per cent jump in cases, up from 62 in 2018-19 to 100 in 2019-20.

Jenny, whose charity provides homes for young mums and children, homeless young people and young women who have been abused, said: "It's heart-breaking that children have become victims in this difficult time.

"Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home and at our mums and babies unit, the young mums are taught how to handle their own emotions, as well as their children's.

"I think it's really important because during lockdown, when children were away from school, we had parents under great stress and if they don't know how to handle their own emotions, parents could lash out at their children.

"Sadly, some parents haven't had that luxury at what has been a stressful time for everybody.

"But it doesn't excuse child cruelty and neglect, so what we need to do now is look at the situation and move forward by putting right what need to be put right."

Between 2013 and 2020, child cruelty and neglect cases in Lincolnshire spiralled by more than three and a half times, from 22 in 2013-14 to 100 in 2019-20.

In September, the NSPCC found that reports of sexual abuse against under-18s in Lincolnshire went up by 74 per cent over the last five years.

Figures provided after a Freedom of Information request by the children's charity showed that 1,042 cases were recorded by Lincolnshire Police in 2019-20, compared to 598 offences in 2014-15.

Sarah Smith, operations manager for South Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service (SoLDAS), run by Boston Women's Aid, said: "Child abuse and wider domestic abuse are often found together due to a combination of tensions building up through the COVID restrictions this year, alongside barriers to being able to work, socialise and relax normally.

"This has put incredible pressures on some families and all of our refuge spaces will be full this Christmas with families who have recently fled from abuse."

In response, the NSPCC has launched its "Here for Children Christmas Appeal", raising awareness of child neglect and abuse over the next four weeks.

Sarah said: "The Here for Children Christmas Appeal will enable this national charity to support so many more children who have experienced abuse and help give them a Christmas they remember for all the right reasons."

Det Supt Martyn Parker, head of Lincolnshire Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People unit, said: "The welfare and wellbeing of children in Lincolnshire is a priority for us.

"Over several years we have been working with our officers, staff and partners to ensure that we have the best possible chance of identifying when something is wrong.

"We are now more effective at spotting child cruelty or neglect and, through the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Partnership, we are sharing information more effectively and identifying any criminal offences.

"We value information from people who suspect something isn’t right and if you are worried that a child is suffering neglect, abuse or cruelty, please contact us or if you don’t wish to speak with the police, contact Lincolnshire County Council's children’s safeguarding line on 01522 782111 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday."

Chris Cook, independent chairman of the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, said: "Keeping children safe is a priority for the partnership.

"Protecting the vulnerable is never easy, but by working together we can make a difference.

"Compared to five years ago, there is now much greater awareness of this issue and it is perhaps more likely that issues will be spotted and reported, which could partly explain the rise in recorded offences.

"However, it is clear that there is still work to be done and we will continue with our efforts to tackle child cruelty and neglect and support those affected.

"Although the pandemic has presented challenges, we have continued to support and protect vulnerable children, responding to any safeguarding concerns and identifying hidden harm.

"We all have a responsibility to help keep children safe and we would urge anyone who believes a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect to report their concerns by calling 01522 782111 (or 01522 782333 outside of office hours)."