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New law to protect children from emotional neglect (1 April 2014)

Date: 01/04/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, New law to protect children from emotional neglect

The government is to introduce a new law which would make emotional neglect – as well as verbally abusing or belittling a child – a criminal offence.

Changes to legislation relating to child neglect will make emotional abuse of children by their parents an offence punishable in a criminal court, with a possible jail term of 10 years.

The changes in legislation are due to be included in the Queen’s Speech in June.

The legislation is being called “Cinderella’s law” and is aimed at preventing child cruelty and neglect.

Parents who are hostile towards their children or are unloving or verbally abusive could in the future find themselves facing the law.

Conservative MP Robert Buckland – who is also a judge – has campaigned for changes in current legislation to include protection for children from emotional neglect by parents.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Mr Buckland said:
“Our criminal law has never reflected the full range of emotional suffering experienced by children who are abused by their parents or carers.

“The sad truth is that, until now, the wicked stepmother would have got away scot free.

“We need a clear, concise and workable definition of child maltreatment – an alternative code that reflects the range of harm of done to children and which provides appropriate legal mechanisms to tackle some of the worst cases.”

The new law will protect children from parents or guardians who intentionally cause harm to a child’s “intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development”.

The current laws protect children from physical and sexual abuse – but children can suffer life-long emotional and developmental damage at the hands of parents who are emotionally and/or verbally abusive.

Children who are deprived of parental love may suffer a complex range of emotional issues as they grow up, including lack of self confidence or feelings of worthlessness or being unlovable.

It is thought that the government may also introduce new legislation to protect children from witnessing domestic violence in the home.

A Downing Street spokesman was unable to confirm the exact child protection measures that would be included in the Queen’s Speech in June, but said:
“There is nothing more important than the protection of children – this is an area of concern.
“One of the issues that has been raised by the groups that have considerable expertise in this area is that the law has not been updated for some time.
“In terms of legislation, I cannot comment on what may or may not be in the Queen’s Speech – but it is certainly something that is under very active consideration.”
It is thought the new legislation will enable the police to intervene in families at an earlier stage, before children also become subjected to sexual abuse or physical violence.

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of family and childcare solicitors – and can advise on domestic violence and child abuse.

Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors – and can advise on family and childcare law under UK law or Islamic law.

For confidential and expert legal advice on domestic violence or child abuse, contact the Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Emergency Helpline on 07920 077054.

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