The report finds that more than nine out of ten of the young people questioned had a warm and loving family background. Within all family types, child maltreatment remained a minority problem and most people in difficult circumstances do not maltreat their children.
Three per cent of the young people said they often had to look after themselves because parents had alcohol, drug or other problems. These young people were at much higher risk of maltreatment than others with around half reporting physical or emotional abuse.
Child maltreatment was often linked to money worries in the family. 78 per cent of those who said they had been neglected reported money worries, and almost half (44%) said they were neglected as a result of financial problems.
The report shows how children often love and value their families even when they are maltreated. Young people who had suffered abuse could still describe their families as warm and loving.
Respondents who had close relationships with parents, particularly with mothers, were less likely to report long-term and lasting harmful effects from maltreatment - as were those who had good support from other adults to whom they could turn for help and advice.
Children suffering sexual and other forms of maltreatment were more likely to turn to a friend or relative for help rather than to a professional. When they did turn to a professional, teachers and the police were the most likely to be approached.
Professionals working with families where domestic violence is found should always treat any children present as at risk of maltreatment even if there is no evidence of violence having been directed at them. This is relevant to medical, educational and legal contexts as much as in social work, and should be incorporated into statutory guidelines and policies dealing with work with children and families.
Children and young people of all ages need greater legal protection from physical assault within the family.
Young people who suffer serious physical neglect have a particularly bleak situation. Multi-agency training for all professionals in contact with children including schools, nurseries and primary healthcare providers is essential to ensure that the signs and importance of physical neglect is recognised.
There needs to be a strategic rethink on how the public is made aware of professional help following maltreatment and how they can access that help. Social work must be known as a frontline and responsive service for both parents and children. Other professionals need clear guidelines on procedures for referral to child protection services.
Advice, counselling and mentoring services for young people should recognise the fact that the young people will often be used as confidants by their friends in times of trouble. These services need to provide adequate information and support to assist them.
New thinking is needed to ensure that sexually abused children get appropriate help. There is a need for widespread and accessible support services which give confidential support and advice for girls and boys experiencing sex abuse.
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Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.