Unfortunately, there are more and more news reports about true tragedies occurring during the times when parents leave their children alone at home or in vehicles, for example.
It is, therefore, essential to understand the legal framework for such situations in order to know the best way to act.
Thus, the criminal law provides that if someone leaves a child alone in conditions that could put their life at risk, they commit the crime of exposure or abandonment, punishable by a particularly severe prison sentence due to the existing family relationship.
For the parent to be punished for committing this crime, it is not necessary that their actions have actually resulted in physical harm to the child or even death.
It is enough that the life of their child was put at risk, either by being exposed to a place or situation where they cannot defend themselves, or by abandoning them without protection, when they had the duty to guard, watch, or assist them.
The penalty for this crime is between 2 and 5 years in prison, which can be aggravated in cases where the child suffers serious physical injuries (up to 8 years in prison), or if their death occurs (prison sentence of 3 to 10 years).
In cases where you are aware of children in these circumstances, it is essential to contact the police authorities so that they can act accordingly.
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