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Update antiquated child cruelty laws urge family experts (21 November 2013)

Date: 21/11/2013
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Update antiquated child cruelty laws urge family experts

Family experts have urged the government to update the law on child cruelty in order to increase protection against neglect, intimidation and other forms of emotional abuse.

The current criminal definition of child abuse excludes emotional neglect. However, experts and police officers believe it should now be made illegal and mirror the recent changes to the law on domestic violence for adults that now include isolation, intimidation and similar patterns of abuse. Proposals to close the legislative gap will be discussed later this week in parliament.

Seventy per cent of police officers in England and Wales supported changes to the law in a recent poll by YouGov and more than 80 MPs have now demanded changes by signing a letter to the Ministry of Justice. Liberal Democrat MP, Mark Williams and charity Action for Children have also drafted an alternative law.

“The law, as it is, fails to protect some of the most vulnerable children throughout England and Wales,” Mr Williams said. “If the Government is really serious about children, the law has to be changed.”

According to government analysis, emotional abuse is more common in child protection referrals than physical abuse. This abuse, which can range from degrading punishments, humiliation to forcing a minor to watch domestic violence, can have a detrimental impact over the long term with emotionally deprived children more likely to develop problems relating to mental health.

Duncan Lewis' experienced team of family solicitors are childcare law experts. We understand how it will affect you and your family and will provide a solution that eases the stress on minors.

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