NSPCC reports sharp rise in calls raising domestic abuse concerns

By The Press Association29th September 2016News EnglandChild Protection, Childrens Services, Domestic Abuse / Violence, News England, Violence

The number of people contacting the NSPCC to raise the alarm about domestic abuse has surged.

Ten adults a day are getting in touch with the charity to raise concerns about the welfare of children, figures indicate.

The NSPCC reported a sharp rise in the number of contacts about youngsters suffering or witnessing physical violence and emotional abuse in the home.

Its helpline received 3,883 contacts in 2015/16 – compared with 2,223 in 2011/12. This was a 75% increase compared with the number in 2011/12.

Of the contacts, 83% led to referrals to external agencies such as police and the social services.

The charity’s chief executive, Peter Wanless, said: “Home should be a haven for children where they feel safe and loved and encouraged to dream big.

“Tragically for thousands of young people it is instead a place where they are stalked by the fear of violence and emotional abuse being inflicted upon them or those that they care for most.

“It is vital that we don’t allow children suffering by living in a home plagued by domestic abuse to remain in the shadows.”

The NSPCC said it was launching a national TV advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of what a child can achieve when freed from domestic abuse.