The impact of the pandemic since March 2020 and the restrictions and lockdowns that have resulted from it have intensified the risk factors that put children at risk of abuse. However, the referrals to children’s services have fallen rather than remaining consistent or rising. According to the Office for the Children’s Commissioner in England there has in fact been a significant fall (by 10% compared to the last 3 years) in such referrals. This is mainly attributable to the closure of schools and the fact that children are less likely to attend health services, and are less able to access informal support like children’s centres, many of which closed or moved online throughout the year. These services and schools are key in flagging possible cases of abuse and the effect of the pandemic and resulting restrictions has inhibited their ability to do so.
A report from the Office of the Children’s Commissioner gave a few examples of how different Local Authorities across the country are responding to the rise of hidden abuse:
- Raising awareness about what the public can do if they are worried about a child.
- Strengthening relationships with other organisations supporting families on the ground.
- Taking advantage of data to better identify and monitor vulnerable children.
- Being proactive in offering early help and welfare services to families most in need.
However, other areas, the report goes on to read, “have not taken steps to proactively locate children suffering behind closed doors”. With schools currently still closed to most students, this is of particular concern to the Commissioner.
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