Victim: Emotional neglect was 'worse' than sex abuse
The number of child emotional abuse cases referred to police and children's services by the NSPCC has risen by 47% in a year, according to the charity.
It comes as ministers seek to update the Children and Young Persons Act of 1933 to include the so-called "Cinderella Law," which would criminalise emotional cruelty.
Tina Renton was sexually abused by her stepfather but said the "mental torture" and "rejection" she received from her mother was "worse."
She told BBC Radio 5 live's Breakfast: "I was just an inconvenience... I just didn't get the love I needed, that a child deserves to have."