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Adults contacting our Helpline about children experiencing domestic abuse reaches record levels

Last year, our Helpline handled 8,448 child welfare contacts where the main concern was domestic abuse, an increase of more than 80% since our records began.

A young child staring blankly into the distance.

    • Almost a third of these domestic abuse contacts ended in a referral to local agencies including police and children's social services. 
    • We’re appealing to the public to reach out to our Helpline if they have any concern, no matter how small, about a child experiencing domestic abuse.
    • Domestic abuse can include coercive control and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected, and it’s vital support is available to each person according to their needs.

The number of adults contacting our Helpline with concerns about a child experiencing domestic abuse is at its highest since our records began.
 
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, our Helpline handled 8,448 child welfare contacts where the main concern was domestic abuse. This is an increase of 8% on the previous year and more than 80% compared to 2021/22 when we began recording this data.
 
Last year almost a third (2,709) of child welfare contacts about domestic abuse ended in a referral to local agencies including police and children's social services.
 
Domestic abuse can include coercive control and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected, and it’s vital support is available to each person according to their needs.

One person* who called our Helpline, said:

“My sister recently left an abusive situation with her six-month-old baby, but her ex-partner is still in control of their finances and emotionally abusing her.
 
“Her ex has drained their accounts so she can’t buy what she needs for my niece. The ex is bombarding her with threats online and via text, even saying they will kill themselves if she doesn’t go back or let them see the baby. Where can we get support and protection for my sister and niece?”

Our Helpline has specially trained advisors who can speak to the public if they’re worried about a child who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse – whether that’s physical violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.
 
Domestic abuse can have a lasting, harmful effect on a child's wellbeing, with the repercussions extending well into the future.
 
Signs that a child has experienced domestic abuse can include aggression, anti-social behaviour, bed wetting, attention seeking, tantrums, withdrawal and problems in school.

Margaret**, who suffered years of abuse by her ex-husband, spoke about the impact this had on her children and is urging victims to ask for help. She said:

“I had always known Tony* was controlling, but after our wedding he became emotionally and psychologically abusive, threatening me and belittling me all the time. Then he started being physically abusive.
 
“We had two children and he became abusive towards them too, shouting and beating them with belts and shoes when I wasn’t there. I could see that they were really affected. They were subdued, sullen and didn’t really behave like children at all.
 
“One day, I finally snapped and called the police. They helped get us to a safe house.
 
“I was really worried about whether my children would be able to get over the abuse they had witnessed and endured. They took part in the NSPCC’s domestic abuse programme, and the light has come back into their eyes. They changed from quiet and subdued children to boisterous and playful – like they’ve released whatever they’d been holding onto.
 
“If there are any parents reading this and going through something like us, or you know someone who is, help is out there. I know my children will be OK, but without help, they may not have been.”

Paddi Vint, NSPCC Helpline service head, says:

“It’s alarming that we are seeing record levels of adults contacting our Helpline about a child experiencing domestic abuse.
 
"Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.
 
“If you’re worried about a child, you can speak to our free NSPCC Helpline in complete confidence. Reaching out can be the first step to help families begin to move forward.”

Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call our Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, call 999.

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*Snapshots/quotes are based on real Helpline contacts but are not direct quotes. All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect the identity of the child and/or adult involved.

**Names and identifying features have been changed to protect the individual’s identity.