Between 2022 and 2023, 201 children in the UK died in cases where abuse or neglect was known or suspected, marking a five percent increase compared to the previous year. Filicide, the deliberate act of a parent or caregiver killing their child, is a tragic reality faced by many families. Babies like Finley Boden, Jacob Crouch, and Ava Mae Collard did not live to see their first birthdays due to the horrific actions of those who were supposed to protect them. Recent cases like that of baby Ollie Davis, who was murdered by his father Michael Davis while his mother allowed it to happen, highlight the urgent need for government intervention to protect vulnerable children from abuse behind closed doors. The harsh reality is that despite efforts to prevent such tragedies, the number of children in need of help and protection continues to rise, with over 400,000 children classified as such and around 51,000 on child protection plans in the UK.
Various motives drive parents to commit filicide, such as revenge, mental health issues, and childhood trauma. Fathers are more likely to kill for revenge, as seen in cases where children are used as pawns to hurt a spouse. Mental health issues like depression and psychosis can distort reality for parents, leading them to view their child as a threat. Childhood abuse and domestic violence can also influence a parent’s behavior towards their own children. Additionally, factors like drug and alcohol abuse, low IQ, and lack of support systems can contribute to overwhelmed parents resorting to violence.
Gender differences exist in filicide cases, with more mothers than fathers being perpetrators. Postpartum depression, feelings of helplessness, and increased time spent with children by mothers are often cited as reasons for maternal filicide. In cases like that of Rachel Tunstill, who stabbed her newborn daughter Mia to death, emotional disturbances following childbirth can have severe consequences. Infanticide laws provide certain legal considerations for mothers who cause the death of their children shortly after birth due to mental health issues related to childbirth.
The lockdown during the pandemic has led to a rise in domestic child killings, with vulnerable children facing increased risks due to reduced contact with support systems. School closures and isolation have created pressure-cooker situations in homes where abusive behavior can thrive behind closed doors. Tragic cases like that of 16-month-old Star Hobson, who was beaten to death by her mother’s partner during lockdown, underscore the devastating impact of such conditions on innocent children. The story of Finley Boden, who suffered extensive injuries and abuse at the hands of his parents during lockdown, serves as a grim reminder of the failure to protect vulnerable children in times of crisis.
The NSPCC is urging politicians to take action to prevent child deaths caused by relatives, emphasizing the need for better support systems and training for frontline professionals dealing with vulnerable children. Government intervention is crucial to transform the children’s social care system and provide early support to families to prevent crises that lead to child abuse and neglect. Vigilance and reporting of child abuse are essential to protect children at risk, and helplines such as NSPCC and ChildLine are available for concerned individuals to seek assistance. Addressing the root causes of filicide, including mental health issues, childhood trauma, and substance abuse, is vital in preventing future tragedies and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Despite efforts to address filicide and child abuse, the stories of innocent children like Ollie Davis, Finley Boden, and Star Hobson serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing challenges in child protection. The complex motives driving parents to harm their own children, coupled with systemic issues in the social care system, underscore the need for urgent action and greater awareness of the risks faced by vulnerable children. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of children, policymakers, professionals, and communities can work together to prevent child deaths and provide a safer future for all children.
