The number of adults contacting the NSPCC about children experiencing domestic abuse has reached its highest level since records began.
New research from the charity shows they received 8,448 child welfare contacts about domestic abuse between April 2025 and March 2026, an 8% increase on the previous year.
The figure is more than 80% higher than in 2021/22, which is when the NSPCC began recording the data.
In almost a third of cases last year, concerns were referred to local agencies including the police and children’s social services.
In one harrowing instance, a person who contacted the NSPCC described how their sister had left an abusive relationship with her six-month old baby, but remained financially and emotionally controlled by her former partner.
They said: ‘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?’
The charity said children can be affected by domestic abuse even if they’re not directly targeted. Possible signs include aggression, withdrawal, bed wetting, tantrums, attention-seeking behaviour and difficulties at school.
Margaret (not her real name), who experienced years of abuse from her former husband, said her children became withdrawn after being subjected to abuse themselves.
She said: ‘I had always known Tony (not his real name) 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.’
When she felt strong enough, Margaret called the police and was helped to move with her children 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,’ she said. ‘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, head of the NSPCC Helpline services, said the number of people who have contacted them in the last year is ‘alarming’.
‘Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help,’ Vint added. ‘Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.’
Image: Zahra Amiri/UnSplash
In related news:
Carer’s Allowance ‘cliff edge’ affects parents’ work choices
Children’s lung health improved by London’s ULEZ, study finds
Leave a Reply