The Problems Extent and Background
Child abuse, which includes a variety of detrimental behaviours such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence, continues to rank among the most serious societal issues in the United Kingdom. Although they can also happen online or in institutions, these behaviours most frequently take place in the home. Abuse affects a child's psychological, emotional, and physical health in the long run.
The number of reported child abuse incidents has increased dramatically in recent years. The NSPCC (2023) reports that in England, the number of crimes involving child abuse and neglect has more than doubled in the past five years, a 106% increase. The increasing incidence of emotional abuse is one of the most alarming trends. Studies have indicated that verbal abuse, including shouting, humiliation, and aggressiveness, can alter a child's brain structure, resulting in behavioural problems, anxiety, and depression (The Guardian, 2025). While less obvious than physical violence, this type of abuse can still be just as harmful.
In the past, tragedies and public uproar have prompted changes to the UK's child protection laws. The first significant piece of legislation to guarantee governmental accountability for children who were not receiving adequate parental care was the Children Act of 1948. Reforms like the Children Act 1989 were brought about by a number of high-profile child tragedies, such as the deaths of Peter Connelly in 2007, Victoria Climbie in 2000, and Maria Colwell in 1973. This rule established that the child's wellbeing must be the top priority in all decisions pertaining to their care, and it became the cornerstone of child protection in both England and Wales.
Even with legal advancements, recent incidents indicate that child abuse is still common and goes unreported. Effective intervention remains a difficulty due to the intricacy of abuse, its covert nature, and the lack of public awareness.