Child protection charity NSPCC Scotland says the Liam Fee case highlights society’s collective responsibility to try to save children from abuse.
Liam’s mother Rachael Trelfa and her civil partner Nyomi Fee were convicted on a majority verdict of killing the toddler by repeatedly assaulting him over the course of several days in the flat they shared in Thornton in March 2014.
Matt Forde, national head of service for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Liam and the other children in the household were the subject of the most horrific and long-term abuse by a couple who should have loved and nurtured their family, but who instead brutally murdered a child in their care.
“Everyone who has followed this case will have been deeply affected by the accounts of neglect, cruelty and violence inflicted on Liam during his short and tragic life. The details of how this couple submitted young children to such abhorrent abuse have rightly shocked the public, yet sadly cases of abuse and neglect are taking place every day in homes across the country damaging the futures of many children.
“Babies and young children are completely reliant on others and we all must look out for their welfare. We need to be alert to the signs that a child may need help and be ready to take action to protect them.”
Members of the public can report any concerns they have about child protection to the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
