Dutch local authorities have a lax approach to dealing with child abuse in all its forms and rarely put their contingency plans into practice, according to a new report by children’s ombudsman Marc Dullaert.

Three-quarters of the 200 local authorities surveyed have plans to deal with the issue but few do anything with these plans, Dullaert says. In 2011, just one in four councils had a specific policy to deal with child abuse.

Experts estimate almost 120,000 children are the victims of neglect, domestic violence or witness violence between their parents. Some 50 children a year die at the hands of their parents.

Advice

Only one in four of the councils give young parents any advice about raising their children and 28% screen pregnant women for potential risks. More than half do not know how many children in their area have a violent parent and 75% do not assess whether or not their policies book results.

Local councils are currently charged with providing information and prevention as well as caring for children who are the victims of domestic violence. Changes in the law next year mean they will also be expected to identify abuse and to help parents and children.

‘This report paints a grim picture, particularly if you look at the new responsibilities which councils will take on next year,’ Dullaert is quoted as saying by Nos television. ‘This should be a wake up call to us all.’