I read in the UK newspapers this morning that our Government is to make changes to the Children and Young Persons Act in this years Queens speech which will criminalise the emotional neglect or abuse of children, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

Not before time too in my opinion and a huge step in the right direction. However, I have to wonder how effective this new legislation is likely to be. Since most most abuse/neglect of this sort goes on behind closed doors with no outwardly visible signs until many many years later; how are these crimes going to be identified and acted on? Will it be possible to take legal action mmany years later as these children become adults and learn to understand the abuse they suffered; not that I am intending to prosecute my mother I might add!

Had this legislation been in force 50+ years ago, would it have made any difference to my upbrnging and the neglect I and my sister suffered? I somehow doubt it

Any thoughts, anybody?

AV.