Child cruelty and neglect cases have risen by almost 350 percent in Northern Ireland.
579 child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded by the NSPCC in 2017 and 2018. This is up from 132 in 2012 and 2013.
Reports included cases where the minor was assaulted, neglected, abandoned, or mistreated. They also included cases where a parent or carer caused serious harm to their child.
RTE reports that the group received 19,937 calls last year about child neglect.
Head of NSPCC, Neil Anderson, said that it is “unclear” why the rates have risen so much over the past five years.
“It is concerning to see the increase in reported crime but it is encouraging that victims are prepared to come forward,” he said.
“Whatever the reasons for the increase, child neglect is everybody’s problem and we all need to be aware of vulnerable children and be ready to report it to the NSPCC or the authorities if we are concerned for their safety or wellbeing.”
