Reports of children affected by domestic abuse soar to record levels during lockdown

Contacts to the NSPCC’s helpline have surged by almost a third since the start of the lockdown, to an average of one an hour.

Helpline staff have responded to 1,500 contacts about domestic abuse between March 23 and May 17 – resulting in 314 referrals being made to local agencies in the Midlands.

In some cases, fears about the virus were exploited to withhold access to children, cut off contact to family and friends, and monitor victims’ movements under the pretext of keeping them safe from the virus.

The charity argues the increased risks during the crisis further highlight the need for the government to amend the law to recognise how the daily nightmare of violence and coercive control can impact on children and why they must have access to specialist support to recover.

The Domestic Abuse Bill is at committee stage and in its current form, the NSPCC argues, fails to do that despite repeated calls from multiple experts.

New analysis of 11 serious case reviews, submitted to MPs as they are set to scrutinise the bill this month, shows children have been seriously harmed and even died because domestic abuse was not always considered to be a child protection issue.

Emily Hilton, NSPCC senior policy and public affairs officer, said: “This crisis has shone a spotlight on children who are living with the daily nightmare of domestic abuse.

“The bill has the chance to transform the help available for these children but, despite pleas from multiple experts, the government is deliberately turning a blind eye to the impact it has on children.“The government should grasp the landmark opportunity offered by the Domestic Abuse Bill and ensure children get the protection and support they need.”

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email [email protected].

Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk any time of the day or night.