Which age group is considered most vulnerable to abuse according to NSPCC?

The most vulnerable age group to abuse, according to the NSPCC, is children under 1 year old. This period represents a critical stage of development where infants are entirely reliant on adults for their care and safety. Infants cannot communicate their needs or distress and are therefore at a higher risk of both physical and emotional abuse. The lack of mobility and the inability to protect themselves further contribute to their vulnerability.

Research has shown that very young children, especially infants, are often targets of abuse because they cannot advocate for themselves or draw attention to their situations. Additionally, the dependence on caregivers means that any negative behavior from those caregivers can have a profound effect on the child's health and well-being.

In contrast, while older children and adolescents can also experience abuse, they typically have more ways to communicate their experiences and seek help. Thus, the emphasis on infants highlights their unique vulnerabilities in situations of potential harm.