New research from the children’s charity shows their helpline received a record-number of calls between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025.
During this period, NSPCC responded to 7,825 contacts from adults who were concerned about children experiencing domestic abuse, a statistic that not only marks the highest since records began but can also be described as nothing short of harrowing.
Published just this morning, the research outlines that an average 21 adults reached out to their helpline every day. What’s more, a third of calls ended in a referral to local agencies including the police and social services.
On call included a grandparent who was worried about her two grandchildren being around their violent stepfather.
‘I’ve been looking after my two grandchildren, aged 10 and 13, over the holidays,’ she said. ‘They’re due to return to their mum, my daughter, soon, but to be honest I don’t really want them to, so long as their stepfather 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 violence going on towards my daughter too, but she always denies it when I ask. I really don’t know what to do.’
According to the findings, the rise in contacts to the helpline have been driven by an increase in coercive and controlling behaviour, which saw a 29% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, emotional abuse also experienced a spike – reports of the behaviour were up from 24% during the 2023/24 period.
While the act of domestic abuse itself is horrific to say the least, the lasting impacts it can have on children who are exposed to such an environment are heartbreaking.
Jess, whose family was subject to years of abuse by her father, spoke of her experience. 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,’ Jess continued. ‘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 NSPCC Helpline, added: ‘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.’
Photo by Thomas Park
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