Sharp rise in kids reporting abuse in home
REFERRALS about children living with domestic abuse in Scotland have increased by more than 30% during the pandemic.
The latest figures reveal that the average monthly number of referrals from the NSPCC to agencies, such as the police and local authorities, increased from 32 in the first three months of last year to 42 in the remaining months. A total of 377 referrals were made between April 1 and December 31.
Frontline teams are concerned that the risk of young people suffering the toxic consequences of domestic abuse has been heightened.
One member of the public who called the helpline for advice said: “For the past few weeks, I’ve been hearing loud and aggressive shouting between a man and woman who live a few doors away from me.
“They’re at it pretty much every day and it generally lasts a couple of hours. Sometimes I hear their children crying when the parents are arguing. I’ve only really noticed this since I’ve been at home on furlough. I’m worried the kids aren’t being looked after properly.”
Young people who experience domestic abuse can have trouble learning, depression or suicidal thoughts, or develop eating disorders, drugs or alcohol problems.
One 13-year-old told Childline: “Recently my mum has been yelling at me and calling me names for no apparent reason.
“My parents fight a lot. Today my parents got in a huge argument that included a lot of shouting and my dad was throwing things at my mum.
“I was shocked because none of their fights have got physical before, and now I’m wondering how bad things could get. My parents don’t talk anymore and they treat me like their little messenger passing comments between them. It’s really affecting me as I constantly feel anxious and cry myself to sleep. I really need help.”
Across the UK, the average monthly number of contacts to the NSPCC helpline about children living with domestic abuse has increased by more than 50%.
Joanna Barrett, of NSPCC, said: “With families facing increased pressure behind closed doors, lockdown restrictions have made some children more vulnerable to experiencing domestic abuse, as well as other forms of abuse and neglect.
“It is vital that support is available and provided to all who need it.
“It is also so important that people speak out if they are concerned about a child.
“Our helpline experts are there to answer any questions or take quick action if we feel a child is in danger.”