Increase in Child Abuse due to Lockdown

11 week old baby Teddie Mitchell was found to have severe fractures and a catastrophic head injury when he died in November 2019.  With injuries akin to those of Baby P it is thought that lockdown will have seen other children fall through the net.

Teddie’s father, Kane Mitchell, has been found guilty of his murder.

When officers first arrived on the scene at Teddie’s family home, his parents Lucci Smith 30, and Mitchell 31, were distraught and told officers that they suspected their young son had meningitis.

Teddie died 10 days later and the police launched a murder investigation and officers ordered medical tests which discovered that Teddie had severe injuries, including 17 rib fractures, fractures to his right collarbone and a fatal skull fracture.

The police advised that restrictions have had a significant impact on child protection efforts.  ‘The routine mechanisms that would be in place to identify children who are suffering have not been there, so there will be children who have fallen through the net during Covid, because they have not been going to school.  There is a huge lack of social workers and health visitors and a lack of social work visits due to Covid.

In 2021 the cases of 6 year old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes and 16-month old Star Hobson prompted national outcry.  Both children suffered months of abuse in lockdown at the hands of their parents and their partners.  Social services failed to act on both occasions despite numerous referrals and warning signs.

At Williamsons Solicitors we can help you. Legal aid would not be available but help with court fees is available if you are on a low income. If you are worried about the safety of your grandchild or any child you believe is being abused please contact a solicitor for immediate advice speak to us on 01482 323697.