COVID pandemic may have hidden a significant increase in child abuse, say doctors

UK doctors are concerned that the COVID pandemic may have hidden a significant increase in child maltreatment. Unfortunately, many of the systems which would normally pick up violence against children just didn't work during the pandemic, particularly during lockdown. Schools were closed, meaning that teachers did not come into contact with abused children, and other regular visitors to the home were restricted. Families being together for longer periods increased exposure to abusers, and potentially made it harder for a partner to report concerns. We know that violence against women increased during the pandemic; Given the evidence of a general increase in domestic violence, plus the disruption to reporting systems caused by COVID, it would be surprising if child maltreatment had not increased.

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