Before we go any further I would like to say that some of the images in this series may cause distress and some viewers may find them somewhat offensive or hard to look at.
The images in this Series are designed to shock but show what unfortunately is the hidden truth in some homes around the world. Any Data/Facts and figures in this series have been taken from either government websites or other trusted sites.
Why am I Doing this?
Some of you that know me, know that at this moment in time I also have a primary income alongside my wedding photography. A job that has me working with some of the most troubled, violent yet harmed children in the UK.
I was working on a new presentation that was about training staff in understand the importance of safeguarding and child protection in a closed environment. This lead me to researching Child abuse images on Google. I doubt many of you have researched such a raw subject but If you want to be shocked there are some very clever emotional images on Google highlighting what children could be going through.
I was also aware like everyone else in the world that the Covid19 pandemic had everyone isolating in their homes to keep safe. Unfortunately in some cases their HOME is the last place they may feel safe. Children who look forward to education and school as their safe place are now stuck at home with the potential to suffer abuse.
My daughter started to feel unwell whilst I was at work and had a temperature. My wife phoned me and I got sent home to isolate for 2 weeks.
This is why I am doing this !! It has kept me sane for 2 weeks and also got me to keep the kids entertained for a short while daily. It is also an amazing subject to get out there and share awareness.
All of the below images are at our home and of myself, wife Liz and my four children Madisyn, Tobias, Isabella and Harrison.
"I can't 'bear' this anymore please keep me safe!"
Here we have my youngest girl Isabella. Isabella is Displaying how some children may have a support mechanism when suffering abuse. She is also hugging her bear very tightly which can also show a form of neglect, this could be the only time Isabella gets to hug anyone or anything.
"The noise hurts my ears, but I fear the alternative"
Here is Tobias/Toby my eldest boy. Toby is showing how Domestic abuse and Child abuse can come hand in hand. Toby is scared and can't stand the noise of his parents fighting. If he says anything will the harm come to him? If he says nothing when will they stop?
FACT:
(On average there will have been 35 assaults before a victim calls the police)
"Am I invisible?"
Here is Madisyn the eldest of them all. Although it is something simple and not many of us see this as neglect. I will hold my hand up and say I am on my mobile devices and Computer way too much. Unfortunately this is the way the world has become. I am not saying that everyone is a bad person that uses their phone. Please just be considerate when your child or partner wants a little attention.
"All I did was stop daddy from hitting mummy"
This by far has been my most viewed image. Here we have the youngest of the four Harrison. His black eye is not real. Again we are showing how domestic violence could also include child abuse. Anger turned onto Harrison for trying to stop the violence. not only this Harrison has a black eye already which shows previous abuse.
FACT:
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) estimated that one in five adults aged 18 to 74 years experienced at least one form of child abuse, whether emotional abuse,physical abuse, sexual abuse, or witnessing domestic violence or abuse, before the age of 16 years (8.5 million people)
"You shouldn't see me like this, I'm meant to be a man"
So it was only fair that I give myself a black eye as well as Harrison and my nose is not actually this wonky. Here we have the stigma that men can't be subject to any abuse. This has been highlighted over the past 10 years or so with suicides in men rising.
FACT:
According to the Office of NationalStatistics(ONS) about 4.2% of men and 7.9% of women suffered domestic abuse in England and Wales during 2018. This equates to about 685,000 male victim sand 1,300,000 women
"Why am I the odd one out?"
These two images I had inspiration from one of our family favourite films..... 'Matilda' as you can see on the TV. Matilda got to the point where she did no longer want to be part of the family. She suffered being the odd one out and neglected from her parents and brother. Although it would not be seen as an immediate risk. Overtime a person in these circumstances may distance themselves, Fall into the wrong crowd, turn to drugs or alcohol and even attempt suicide. All they wanted was to be noticed.
"First it's a wrist grab... Then What?"
Here we have my eldest boy again Toby. Showing that something so small can have such a massive impact on children. As you can see Toby looks sad, upset and scared. On the other he looks a little more angry and fighting against the aggressor. Should a child be forced to act in such a way when young. They may only know 1 other way when they are older. That will be through violence.
"Not again, If i don't tell anyone he said it will be ok"
Sexual abuse in children. Yes its a very Raw subject... probably the worst out of the lot!! Here are some very sad Statistics..
FACT:
1. Experts estimate that 1 in 10 children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
2. More than 90% of abusers are people children know, love and trust. 30-40% of victims are abused by a family member. 50% are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust. Evidence that a child has been sexually abused is not always obvious, and many children do not report that they have been abused.
Here we have Madisyn. Who can't keep a sad face for very long. I have added a picture of her smiling when she was supposed to be SAD!!! Apparently the water/tear kept on tickling her face!!
Useful links and contacts UK
Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (12-2:30 and 7-9:30) www.rapecrisis.org.uk
Victim Support Supportline: 0333 300 6389
"I promised I would look after Turtle for him, I miss you so much!"
I am hoping this one touches the hearts of people who are following as unfortunately this can be the outcome of domestic and child abuse. This shows the ultimate outcome if signs go unnoticed. Abuse can unfortunately lead to the death of a person.
FACT: • In the last five years there was an average of 68 child deaths by assault or undetermined intent a year in the UK. • On average at least one child is killed a week in the UK. Some serious facts and with Covid19 I am sure that these figures will be higher when looked at in the future. Once again Toby has done amazing!! Please share and save a life!!! #childabuse #NSPCC #childprotection
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, help is available:
Childline can be called on 0800 1111
Mind can be called on 0300 123 3393 or emailed at info@mind.org.uk
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) can be called on 0808 801 0331
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) can be called on 0808 800 5000 or emailed at help@nspcc.org.uk
Rape Crisis can be called on 0808 802 9999
Samaritans can be called on 116 123 or emailed at jo@samaritans.org
The Survivors Trust can be called on 08088 010 818
Victim Support can be called on 0808 16 89 111
Behind the Scenes
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