Around 400 Cases Reportedly Under Investigation

By Rob Dixon

The revelation that 400 cases of child abuse are currently being investigated in the West Midlands and Staffordshire is a major concern but also a potential sign of the efforts being made to safeguard youngsters, according to lawyers who specialise in helping victims.

The Express & Star reports that the public protection unit of the Crown Prosecution Service, which handles allegations including sexual offences, neglect and murder, has revealed that half of the serious crimes it is currently dealing with relate to the abuse of children.

It has also stated that the number of cases it is involved in has grown over recent years, with a total of 1,200 coming under scrutiny last year alone.

The release of the figures follows the conviction of Magdelena Luczak and Marius Krezolek for the death of four-year-old Daniel Pelka.

Luke Daniels, a Partner and expert in child abuse claims at Irwin Mitchell, specialises in helping victims of such issues to gain justice and answers over the physical and psychological traumas they have endured.

Commenting on the new figures, he outlined: “To see that 400 allegations have been deemed worthy of investigation is obviously very worrying and we hope that investigations into each will lead to, where possible, improvements in the safeguarding of vulnerable youngsters.

“However, this figure may also arguably be a welcome sign of how seriously authorities are taking concerns related to child abuse and how they are looking to ensure that all issues of this kind are being given the proper care and attention they need.

“Considering the many high-profile revelations regarding abuse in recent months, this can only be seen as a positive attempt to ensure that everything possible is being done to keep children safe.

“Too many people’s lives have been turned upside down by such ordeals and the key aims now must be to give victims the support they need and learn what can be done to protect others in the future.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Child Abuse claims