Child cruelty and neglect offences in Yorkshire and the Humber have increased by 75 per cent in the last five years.
The NSPCC has revealed there were 714 child cruelty and neglect offences recorded by police in the region in 2017/18, up from 407 in 2012/13.
Reports to the police included extreme cases of when a parent or carer deliberately neglected, assaulted, abandoned or exposed their child to serious harm.
To raise awareness of child neglect - the most common type of abuse affecting children in the UK - the NSPCC has launched its ‘Light For Every Childhood’ Christmas Appeal.
In the lead up to Christmas, UK landmarks including Bradford City Hall, have been lighting up in the charity’s trademark green in support of the appeal.
Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC said: “It’s unclear exactly why the number of child neglect and cruelty offences has risen so dramatically, but greater public awareness and improvements in how police record offences could be factors, along with deeper societal issues.
“Whatever the reasons for the increase in child neglect there is something we can all do about it now, we need to be aware of vulnerable children and be ready to report it to the NSPCC or the authorities if we are concerned for their safety or wellbeing.
“We are appealing to the generous nature of the public to support our Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal to help us be there for even more young people in need.”
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