Childline: Helpline handled record number of child welfare contacts where main concern was domestic abuse
Childline is here to support children, but the NSPCC also here to help families and those who are worried about young people.
The NSPCC Helpline is available to adults who want to share any worry they might have about children, and last year it handled a record number of child welfare contacts where the main concern was domestic abuse.
Between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, the Helpline handled 8,448 contacts on this topic – an increase of 8% on the previous year and more than 80% higher than when the service began recording this data in 2021-22.
Almost a third of last year’s contacts ended with a referral to local agencies like police or children’s social services, with the NSPCC Helpline trying to ensure the children experiencing domestic abuse are properly protected.
Domestic abuse can include coercive control, and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse, and although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected.
It is vital that support is made available to each person experiencing this kind of abuse within the household, according to their needs, and the first step can be contacting the NSPCC Helpline anonymously.
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.
Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help. Children might also feel frightened and confused and keep the abuse to themselves.
Speaking in confidence to our free NSPCC Helpline can be the first step to help families begin to move forward.
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected], and more information is also available on the NSPCC website. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, call 999.