History of the ISPCC

 

Animals before children - New York in the 1800’s

The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was founded in New York in the 1800’s.

A woman in New York heard a young child crying.  She wanted to help but the child’s mother wouldn’t let her.

The woman tried to contact the police but they could do nothing.

In despair, she complained to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and told them that an animal was being maltreated.

At once an inspector was sent out.  He was taken aback when he saw that the "animal" was actually a child!

The case went to Court and the mother was charged with animal cruelty.  Because of this case the first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) was founded in New York.

From New York to Liverpool

In 1883, a man from Liverpool was in New York on business.  He learnt of the SPCC and decided there was a need for such a society in England. Once home he set up the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This was the first of its kind in England.  It became national in 1884 with the founding of the NSPCC.

Development of the ISPCC

1889 – the first Irish branch is opened in Dublin

1891 – offices open in Belfast and Cork

1956 – NSPCC renamed ISPCC

1970’s - the statutory authority for child abuse cases is placed with the Regional Health Boards in the Republic

Today

The ISPCC focuses its efforts in the area of preventative work.  It continues to campaign vocally for legislative changes to safeguard children and their rights.