NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Metropolitan Police Service SCD5 - Child Abuse Investigation Command Common Risk Factors in the Physical Abuse of Children

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Aim The importance of Risk Factors Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUDIs) The Physical Abuse & Neglect of Children Child Death The Impact of Abuse & Youth Crime Summary

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Introduction Risk Factors are conditions or events which increase the likelihood of abuse taking place The most common Risk Factors are prevalent in all types of Child Abuse from sudden unexpected infant death (SUDI) through to Physical and Sexual Abuse in later life Many Risk Factors overlap between types of abuse Risk Factors highlight the links between Child Abuse, youth offending and youth victims of crime Recognising and acting upon Risk Factors can help prevent as well as detect forms of abuse, addressing the cyclical nature of violence and abuse

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUDIs) In 2007, 34% of Child Deaths occurred within the top 20 most deprived areas of London. Only 6% occurred within the top 20 least deprived areas In the last 3 years, 47% of victims of SUDI were black. Current estimates show the black population of London to be 12-15% KEY RISK FACTORS: Prematurity (pre 37 weeks) Low birth weight Low standard accommodation Co-sleeping Unsuitable Bedding Parental smoking/substance abuse In 2007, the 42 SUDIs had an average of 4 risk factors present per incident.

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Physical Abuse & Neglect Areas with high levels of deprivation in London regularly experience high volumes of Physical Abuse Children with learning and behavioural difficulties are more vulnerable to physical abuse A large proportion of suspects/victims come from ethnic minority backgrounds Single parent and multiple-child households are vulnerable groups Based on reported Physical Abuse from April 2005 to March 2008

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors The killing of children in 2007 and 2008 (to date) Suspects in child homicides highlight 4 Prominent Factors; 1. Mental health (7 deaths in 2007; 2 in 2008); 2. Isolation/neglect and abuse (3 deaths in 2007; 2 in 2008) 3. Domestic Violence/Very Violent Household (3 deaths in 2007; none so far in 2008) 4. Over-representation of ethnic minorities (75% were BME)

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors The Cycle of Violence & Abuse Maltreatment of children aged 0-3 is critical in establishing their propensity for violence (WAVE Report) Violence is triggered in high-propensity people by social factors such as unemployment, poor housing, over-crowding, economic inequality, declining moral values and stress. Alcohol plays a significant role in the timing of violence (WAVE Report) Many Risk Factors for child abuse are also present in relation to offenders engaged in Youth Violence (deprivation, domestic violence, substance misuse, mental health)

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors The Cycle of Violence & Abuse Priority Boroughs in relation to Youth Violence all witness high levels of Child Abuse Serious Youth Violence 2008: Top 10 Boroughs Physical Child Abuse 2008: Top 10 Boroughs

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Substance Misuse Mental Health & Learning Difficulties Domestic Violence Previous Abuse Increased Sex Drive in Adolescent males Sexual AbusePhysical Abuse & Neglect Sleeping Arrangements/ Bedsharing SUDI Heavy internet & pornography usage Opportunity to Download unobserved Lack of adult partners Curiosity Emotional Stress Internet Offending Prematurity (pre 37 weeks) Low birth weight Unsuitable Bedding Deprivation Family Structure

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED SCD5 C.A.I.C – Risk Factors Any Questions?