A children’s charity has seen an 80 per cent increase in reports of concern for a child experiencing domestic abuse in the last five years.
The NSPCC received 4,599 contacts with the primary concern being domestic abuse in 2021-2022, with this rising to 8,448 in 2025-2026.
Almost a third of these cases resulted in a referral to local agencies such as police forces and children’s social services.
One person who called the NSPCC 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?”
Domestic abuse can include coercive control as well as emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse.
Witnessing abuse can have a lasting impact on a child’s mental health, with signs including aggression, bed-wetting, attention seeking, tantrums, anti-social behaviour, withdrawal and problems in school.
Margaret suffered years of abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. 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 on to.
“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.”
If you are a child and you need help because something has happened to you, you can call Childline free of charge on 0800 1111. You can also call the NSPCC if you are an adult and you are worried about a child, on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adults on 0808 801 0331
*Names have been changed to protect identities