Adults can call the line
The NSPCC also operates Childline(Image: Alamy/PA)
The NSPCC is not just here to help children, but to help families and those who are worried about children as well. As well as the Childline service, the NSPCC offers a Helpline specifically to support adults who want to raise concerns about the safety and wellbeing of a young person or family.
Adults can contact the Helpline about any worry they might have and last year it handled a record number of child welfare contacts where the main concern was domestic abuse. Between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, the Helpline handled 8,448 contacts on this topic – an increase of 8% on the previous year and more than 80% higher than when the service began recording this data in 2021/22.
Almost a third of last year’s contacts ended with a referral to local agencies like police or children’s social services, with the NSPCC Helpline trying to ensure the children experiencing domestic abuse are properly protected. Domestic abuse can include coercive control, and emotional, verbal, physical and financial abuse. Although the majority of domestic abuse victims are women, men can also be affected and it is vital support is made available to each person according to their needs.
One adult who called the NSPCC Helpline, said: “My sister recently left an abusive situation with her 6-month-old baby, but her ex-partner is still in control of their finances and emotionally abusing her. Her ex has drained their accounts so she can’t buy what she needs for my niece. The ex is bombarding her with threats online and via text, even saying they will kill themselves if she doesn’t go back or let them see the baby. Where can we get support and protection for my sister and niece?”
The NSPCC Helpline has specially trained advisors who can speak to the public if they are worried about a child who may be experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse – whether that is physical violence or coercive and controlling behaviour. Margaret (not her real name), suffered years of abuse by her ex-husband and has spoken through the NSPCC about the impact this had on her children to urge victims to ask for help.
She said: “I had always known Tony (not his real name) was controlling, but after our wedding he became emotionally and psychologically abusive, threatening me and belittling me all the time. Then he started being physically abusive.
“We had two children and he became abusive towards them too, shouting and beating them with belts and shoes when I wasn’t there. I could see that they were really affected. They were subdued, sullen and didn’t really behave like children at all.
“One day, I finally snapped and called the police. They helped get us to a safe house.
“I was really worried about whether my children would be able to get over the abuse they had witnessed and endured. They took part in the NSPCC’s domestic abuse programme, and the light has come back into their eyes. They changed from quiet and subdued children to boisterous and playful – like they’ve released whatever they’d been holding on to.
“If there are any parents reading this and going through something like us, or you know someone who is, help is out there. I know my children will be OK, but without help, they may not have been.”
Domestic abuse can have a lasting, harmful effect on a child’s wellbeing, with the repercussions extending well into the future. Signs that a child has experienced domestic abuse can include aggression, anti-social behaviour, bed wetting, attention seeking, tantrums, withdrawal and problems in school.
Paddi Vint, NSPCC Helpline Service Head, called the record level of adults contacting the service about a child experiencing domestic abuse “alarming”, and called on anyone with concerns to speak up.
Paddi said: “Domestic abuse is often hidden, with stigma and shame making it harder to ask for help. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.
“If you’re worried about a child, you can speak to our free NSPCC Helpline in complete confidence. Reaching out can be the first step to help families begin to move forward.”
Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk, and more information is also available on the NSPCC website. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, call 999.
