How lockdown may have provided ‘cover’ for deadly child abuse in England

Sustainable Development Goals and Child Abuse in the UK

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, Star Hobson, Finley Boden, and Jacob Crouch were victims of child abuse in the UK during a seven-month period in 2020. These tragic cases highlight the urgent need to address child protection issues and align them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Arthur Labinjo-Hughes: A Victim of Abuse

Arthur, a six-year-old boy who had a passion for football and superheroes, was murdered by his stepmother in June 2020. He endured weeks of abuse and torture, including being poisoned and forced into isolation for long hours.

Star Hobson and Finley Boden: Tragic Losses

Star, a 16-month-old baby, was killed by her mother’s girlfriend, an amateur boxer, in September 2020. Finley Boden, only 10 months old, was found dead by his parents on Christmas Day after suffering from 130 separate injuries. These heartbreaking cases highlight the vulnerability of young children and the need for stronger child protection measures.

Jacob Crouch: Another Victim

Jacob, a 10-month-old baby, was killed by his stepfather on December 30, 2020. He sustained multiple injuries, including 39 rib fractures. These cases demonstrate the urgent need to prioritize child safety and well-being.

The Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown

The Covid-19 lockdown, which began in March 2020, had a detrimental effect on child protection services. The ability to safeguard children from harm was significantly hindered during this period.

Abigail Gill from the NSPCC highlights the consequences of the lockdown: “Our deepest fears did come to fruition for some children, and harm was taking place behind closed doors.”

Government data reveals a concerning increase in child deaths involving abuse or neglect, with 223 cases reported in 2020-21 compared to 188 the previous year. Contacts to the NSPCC helpline also reached a record high of nearly 85,000 in 2020-21.

The Role of Lockdown Measures

Lockdown measures were used as a cover by some adults intent on causing harm to children. Arthur’s parents kept him out of school even after restrictions were eased, and Finley’s parents prevented social workers from entering their home citing Covid restrictions.

Debbie Innes-Turnill, a child protection lecturer, emphasizes that lockdown restrictions exacerbated existing issues in the child protection system. The lack of contact between families and agencies posed significant risks.

The Need for Urgent Reform

The NSPCC calls for urgent reform and increased investment in children’s social care. Despite previous reports highlighting the need for a multibillion-pound overhaul, little progress has been made.

Abigail Gill states, “We’re at a critical juncture now. Unless the government takes action, we will continue to witness cases of child abuse and neglect in the future

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 3.1: By 2030, reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births.
• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age group.
• Indicator 3.1.1: Maternal mortality ratio.
• Indicator 3.2.1: Under-five mortality rate.
• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex.
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators