50,000 Sign Child Abuse Law Petition

A petition calling for a law that would require people who work with children to be legally obliged to report suspected child abuse has generated more than 50,000 signatures.

The petition is being delivered to 10 Downing Street on the eve of the publication of the serious case review into the death of four-year-old Daniel Pelka, who was murdered by his mother and stepfather.

Mandatory Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse

It also coincides with the launch of a new NSPCC campaign called Now I Know, which will see ChildLine visit every primary school in the country at least once every two years to identify signs of abuse and safeguard potential victims. The petition was launched by mother-of-two Paula Barrow, from Manchester, who said she wanted a new law that would provide clarity on how professionals should act if they suspect abuse.

Peter Garsden, president of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers and adviser to the Innocence in Danger charity, said:

“Child protection framework is outdated and leaves children at risk. The introduction of mandatory reporting would far better protect children and staff when concerns arise. It is only when concerns are reported that a child stands any chance of abuses being addressed.”

Speak to IBB’s child abuse lawyers on 01895 207835 or 01895 207295 if you’d like to talk to someone in confidence about making child abuse claims. Alternatively, you can send an email with your name and contact information and brief details to PI@ibblaw.co.uk and we will contact you for a confidential discussion.