Child neglect laws are outdated

There have been lots of upsetting cases of child abuse and neglect in the news recently. Hearing these tragic stories has been heart-wrenching.

With this in mind, I was shocked to find out that the law on child neglect is 80 years old. Because it was written so long ago, it doesn’t include emotional neglect. This type of abuse, such as on-going scapegoating or humiliation, ruins a child’s self esteem which follows them all through their lives and is now known to leave children with mental scars that can last a lifetime. I work with adults who have experienced this type of abuse and see how it affects them and their parenting.

I hope your readers will join me in supporting Action for Children’s campaign to update the law. By visiting www.actionforchildren.org.uk/changeneglectlaw they can find out more and ask their MP to join our campaign.

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Thousands of people and organisations across the UK are already involved and together were increasing the pressure on Government to make sure we have laws in place that really protect children.

Pauline Frame

The Children’s Centre Sure Start

Heckmondwike Road

Dewsbury

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