Under section five of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, it is an offence to cause or allow the death of a child. This was used to prosecute the mother, boyfriend and lodger involved in Peter Connelly’s death when police could not prove which of them was directly responsible.
But causing serious harm, short of death, is not covered by this offence, prompting the government to back a private member's bill introduced by Conservative MP Sir Paul Beresford.
Justice minister Crispin Blunt said: "The government intends to close the gap in the law that allows those who harm children and vulnerable adults to escape unpunished. We want to do everything possible to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are kept safe in their homes and those who abuse their power do not evade justice."
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