New NSPCC figures reveal a 14% increase in child welfare contacts from adults concerned about domestic abuse.
From 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, the charity’s Helpline responded to 7,825 contacts from adults whose main concern was about children experiencing domestic abuse.
This marked the highest annual total since records began in 2021/22, with an average of 21 adults reaching out to the Helpline with concerns about domestic abuse every day.
A third of child welfare contacts about domestic abuse ended in a referral to local agencies including police and children’s social services.
Adults told the NSPCC they were worried about children suffering various forms of domestic abuse, including physical abuse, coercive control, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and financial abuse.
A grandparent who contacted the NSPCC Helpline said: “I’ve been looking after my two grandchildren, aged 10 and 13, over the holidays. They’re due to return to their mum, my daughter, soon, but to be honest I really don’t want to, so long as their step-father is still around. He’s been nothing but trouble since he came along, always screaming at the kids and threatening to hurt them. The boys are so scared when he’s there, they spend most of their time locked away in their rooms. I’m convinced there’s domestic abuse going on towards my daughter too, but she always denies it when I ask. I really don’t know what to do.”
The rise in contacts has been driven in part by coercive and controlling behaviour, which saw a 29% increase compared to the previous year. Emotional domestic abuse also saw a significant rise, up 24% from the 2023/24 period.
Coercive and controlling behaviour includes assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten a partner or ex-partner. Children whose parents or carers use or experience coercive and controlling behaviour within their own relationships can feel isolated and frightened and may have poor mental health as a result.
More generally, domestic abuse can have a lasting, harmful effect on a child’s wellbeing, with the repercussions extending well into the future.
The NSPCC’s London and South East Hub runs a service called Domestic Abuse, Recovering Together (DART). Through the service, children and mothers, who have experienced domestic abuse, can talk to each other about what has happened, learn to communicate and rebuild their relationship.
The service, which has been recognised by the Home Office, also provides children and mothers with an opportunity to meet others who have lived through similar experiences.
The NSPCC Helpline has specially trained advisors who can speak to the public if they are worried about a child who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse – whether that is physical violence or coercive and controlling behaviour.
Jess, whose family was subject to years of abuse by her biological father, spoke of the serious long-term impact of domestic abuse and reinforced the importance of reaching out for help.
She said: “Experiencing domestic abuse over many years has taken a serious toll on my mental health and wellbeing – and I know I will continue to feel this impact in the years to come.
“I want to tell my story so the public understand the devastating effect domestic abuse can have on entire families, and to encourage them to speak up if they know of anyone young person experiencing abuse at home. Contacting Helpline could be the first step in helping turn a young person’s life around.
“And if I could say one thing to any young person or parent experiencing domestic abuse, it would be that it is okay to ask for help. I wish I had done something sooner to save myself and my family from years of abuse.”
Paddi Vint, Development and Quality Manager for the Domestic Abuse Practice Advisor Team at the NSPCC Helpline, said: “The surge in contacts to our Helpline about domestic abuse is alarming, particularly given we have seen the highest annual total of reports around this topic since records began.
“Domestic abuse can have a dreadful impact on the whole family, with the effects being both immediate and lasting well into the future. It is vital everyone is aware of the signs of domestic abuse – including coercive control – which we know is becoming more prevalent in our communities. Greater collective vigilance should ensure the relevant authorities are involved more quickly when a child is at risk.
“Our Helpline is here to support anyone who has concerns about a child experiencing domestic abuse. Speaking out can help young victims get the support they need to address whatever may be happening at home.”
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
