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The NSPCC has reported a record number of contacts from adults concerned about children experiencing domestic abuse, with its Helpline handling 8,448 child welfare contacts on the issue in 2025/26.
The figure represents an 8% increase on the previous year and a rise of more than 80% since the charity began recording the data in 2021/22.
Of the contacts received between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, 2,709 – almost a third – resulted in referrals to local agencies, including police and children’s social services.
The charity said domestic abuse could include coercive control and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although women account for the majority of victims, men can also experience domestic abuse and require appropriate support.
One person who contacted the NSPCC Helpline described concerns about their sister, who had left an abusive relationship with her six-month-old baby. The former partner allegedly retained control of the family’s finances, drained their accounts and continued to send threatening messages, including threats of suicide if the mother refused to reconcile or allow contact with the child.
The NSPCC said its Helpline had specially trained advisers available to speak to adults concerned about children who might be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour.
The charity warned that domestic abuse could have lasting consequences for children’s wellbeing. Potential signs that a child had experienced abuse included aggression, antisocial behaviour, bedwetting, attention-seeking, tantrums, withdrawal and difficulties at school.
The NSPCC also highlighted the experiences of a woman, identified as Margaret, who described years of emotional, psychological and physical abuse by her former husband. She said the abuse had extended to their two children, who became subdued and withdrawn after witnessing and experiencing violence.
After contacting the police, Margaret and her children were helped to reach a safe house. The children subsequently took part in the NSPCC’s domestic abuse programme, which she said had helped them become more confident and playful.
Margaret urged parents experiencing similar circumstances, or those concerned about someone they knew, to seek help, saying that support had made a significant difference to her children’s recovery.
Paddi Vint, head of the NSPCC Helpline service, said the record figures were alarming and highlighted the difficulties people could face in seeking help.
She said stigma and shame could make domestic abuse difficult to disclose, while children might feel frightened or confused and keep their experiences to themselves.
Vint encouraged anyone concerned about a child to contact the NSPCC’s free Helpline, adding that reaching out could be the first step towards helping families move forward.
