Calls to child welfare hotline increase by 50% over course of pandemic 

Calls from concerned adults to an NSPCC child welfare hotline have jumped by over 50% over the course of the pandemic.

The NSPCC says it is now receiving over 30 calls a day from adults concerned that a child was living with domestic abuse, up 53% from pre-pandemic levels.

The charity warns this situation is likely to get worse as lockdown continues and is urging the UK government to make extra provisions for child victims in its Domestic Abuse Bill.

The NSPCC is calling for an amendment that would legally oblige all local authorities to fund community-based recovery services for child victims.

The bill has been hailed as a landmark piece of legislation and is set to have its second reading and begin committee stage today (Monday 25th). 

When the bill becomes law councils will ensure those who become homeless as a result of domestic abuse will be prioritised for emergency housing. 

The NSPCC wants funding for community-based services also enshrined in law such as counselling to help child victims of domestic abuse recover.

People who experience domestic abuse in childhood can experience difficulty in learning, depression, eating disorders and addiction as they go through adolescence and later adulthood.

Anna Edmundson, the NSPCC’s head of policy, said: “The risk of domestic abuse has been heightened in the last nine months with families living under increasing pressure and behind closed doors.

“To stop the pandemic having a lasting impact on children who suffer in this way it is vital they have access to support in the community to recover and move forward with their lives as not all victims can go to a refuge for support.”

The children’s charity Barnado’s also warned that without a legal provision for community-based services the new Domestic Abuse Bill risked creating a two tier system.

Chief executive Javed Khan said: “As it stands the bill risks creating a two-tier system – with adults and children living in refuges having access to specialist services, but the majority of victims who remain in the family home falling through the cracks.

“I’m urging the House of Lords to support a cross-party amendment – backed by charities supporting women and children – which creates a clear duty on public authorities to provide support for all victims, regardless of their age or where they live.”

Safeguarding minister Victoria Atkins said: “Domestic abuse is a truly awful crime which can have a devastating impact on children and young people.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have invested millions to support and protect vulnerable individuals, including three million for specialist services to help children, increased support for the NSPCC helpline, and provided additional funds to support local authorities.

“We are taking important action to better protect the victims of abuse and their children and bring perpetrators to justice.”

If you are worried about a child you can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.