New Proposals Welcomed By Charity

The Government is reportedly considering new measures which would mean adults could face prosecution in relation to emotional cruelty against children.

Proposals referred to as ‘Cinderella’s Law’ have been put forward for the change to be introduced in England and Wales, with those convicted of offences potentially facing similar sentences to those who have subjected young people to physical abuse.

Discussions around the introduction of emotional neglect laws have come following a three-year campaign by charity Action for Children, which stated the current definition of child neglect was still based on regulations introduced more than 80 years ago.

Sir Tony Hawkhead, chief executive of Action for Children, described the proposals as a “monumental step forward”.

He added: “We are one of the last countries in the western world to recognise all forms of child abuse as a crime. Years of campaigning have been rewarded, the government has listened and this law will change lives.”

Expert Opinion

While definitions around the issue of abuse have always predominantly been focused on physical harm, we have seen in numerous cases the devastating psychological effects that neglect and abuse have on victims. <br/> <br/>"In many cases, people who have faced such issues need long-term counselling and support to get anywhere close to coming to terms with what they have been through. Such issues often go on to affect victims for their entire lives. <br/> <br/>"It is undoubtedly time for the seriousness of emotional and psychological abuse to be recognised in the eyes of the law, and we are hopeful that the Government work quickly to ensure everything possible is done to safeguard children from any form of harm."