Record number of children exposed to domestic violence

NSPCC reveals youngsters’ torment

REPORTS of children witnessing domestic abuse have increased by 77% in the last four years.

The NSPCC has received its highestever number of calls about violence around youngsters, including babies.

Nearly 5,000 calls were made to the charity’s helpline in 2016, up more than three quarters from 2012 when the charity received fewer than 3,000 calls about children witnessing abuse.

The distressing messages reveal how vulnerable children are being exposed to violent rages between parents or other guardians.

Rows were sometimes so severe, kids saw parents with bruises or in hospital.

And 85% of calls were serious enough to be referred to police or social services.

One phone call to the charity’s helpline described a vulnerable mum “always covered head to toe in bruises”.

Another member of the public said: “Dad gets violent when he drinks and hits mum. Mum has been to hospital frequently with injuries caused by dad and I know the children witness it.”

The NSPCC is now urging other members of the public to pick up the phone if they are worried. Chief executive Peter Wanless said: “More people are speaking up for frightened children in violent homes. We all have a part to play in tackling domestic abuse. “It’s important to pick up the phone so our trained advisers can offer nonjudgmental advice, discuss possibilities and take action where necessary.” The NSPCC says one in five children have been exposed to domestic violence. A third of those also experience other abuse. Mr Wanless added: “Stepping in early and putting the child at the heart of decisions is vital in keeping children safe.” The NSPCC is piloting a service called Steps to Safety to help families calmly control conflict. Its latest statistics come as Ofsted calls for more emphasis on the effects of domestic abuse on child victims. It says schools must prioritise education about healthy relationships and calls for a new campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse. Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 11 11.