There has been an almost 20% rise in calls to the NSPCC since the start of the coronavirus lockdown from adults concerned about child abuse, reports the BBC less than 24 hours ago.
If you read these statistics closely, I hope two things stand out. The first: the NSPCC has seen a 20% increase in suspected child abuse. Children otherwise finding refuge at school or extracurricular activities are now isolated at home with their abusers almost 24 hours a day. Their life is at greater risk with each day that passes by.
Secondly, these reports are being made by adults concerned about identified children. What does this tell us? The victims cannot speak up themselves or seek out help.
For a child living with an abuser there is no escape. A child does not have total autonomy. A child cannot decide where they can go, what they do or what they even eat for breakfast. During this global pandemic children living with an abuser are arguably the most vulnerable group in society.
Where will I go? What will happen to me and will the violence only get worse?
These are the thoughts that run through their mind.
All this with the threat of being possibly placed in foster care and disowned by their family. However, in lockdown there is no safe place to make the call even if they wanted to.
For victims of domestic violence there is no greater war zone than home. The mundane can trigger violent outbursts by the abuser. The outside world can provide safety, only victims understand first-hand the importance workplaces, clubs and schools.
If you watched Netflix’s The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez documentary just two months ago, you probably experienced the exact same frustrations I did. Why did no one help this poor boy? Why didn’t anyone do their job properly? Why did they all ignore the signs? In hindsight these things are easy to say. We think if we were his teacher or social worker we would have swooped in and saved the day. But that’s not exactly true.
Child abuse happens globally yet the conversations around it are minimal. I spoke to Linda Anne Shannon a retired schoolteacher who has taught in schools all over the world about her experiences with students living with an abuser.
She says: ‘It was difficult for me because I was in a country where people routinely beat their children… I had twin boys who cheerfully told me that their mum said that a mother who didn't beat her children doesn't love them. I did once see a boy with wheal marks round his neck as if someone had tried to strangle him with a rope. He was distressed but there was no organisation I could report it to. I felt so helpless.’
With time on our hands there is no better reason to keep our eyes and ears open. If you know a child possibly at risk; ask questions, make phone calls and check in with the family. Even if it’s under false pretences of light-hearted catch-up phone calls. Ask about the child specifically. This at least lets the abuser know you’re aware and inquiring about the child.
There is nothing more explosive or insulting than to excuse someone of mistreating a child and the line between the freedom to parent with harsh discipline and borderline abuse can become blurry.
Parents will know there’s no greater insult than critiquing someone’s parenting.
Speak out and the narrative could flipped back on you. All of a sudden, you’re an accuser trying to break apart a family.
What will the effects of lockdown have for the UK moving forward?
When life gets back to normal and shops, pubs, school and workplaces open like normal, the psychological, emotional and even physical damage done will be irreversible. Children all over the UK will carry the trauma and scars of Covid-19 lockdown for year to come. With MPs demanding a government action plan to tackle domestic abuse under the lockdown they’re warning that: 'society will be dealing with the devastating consequences for a generation.'
Worried about someone?
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
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