Why the NSPCC is focussing on physically abused children

'Physical abuse in high risk families' is one of the NSPCC's seven priorities that focus on the UK's most vulnerable children.

No child should suffer violent treatment. Yet seven per cent of children in the UK experience serious physical abuse and 21 per cent experience serious or intermediate physical abuse by the age of 18. This can have a lasting impact on children, affecting their mental health and developing brain, and having a damaging effect on their behaviour and ability to form relationships.

We have developed a series of programmes in an attempt to tackle what is becoming a  growing problem in the UK. These programmes work with both children and parents, particularly in high-risk-families.

 We want to do as much as we can to prevent the physical abuse of children and we believe everybody can play a part in this by looking out for and reporting abuse.

Further reading

The NSPCC's priorities and programmes
Putting a stop to physical abuse
Worried about a child?
Physical abuse in high-risk-families (PDF 860Kb)
Information for professionals