NSPCC reveal extent of domestic abuse calls to Helpline in NI
Referrals made to police and social services
Last updated 22nd Sep 2017
A top charity revealed today that 86 domestic abuse calls from Northern Ireland to its helpline in the last two years, were so serious they had to be referred to police and social services.
The figures emerged as the NSPCC revealed that last year alone, 7% of all calls were related to domestic abuse.
Also, last year across the UK the charity receives its highest-ever number of contacts from adults concerned about violent and abusive behaviour around children.
Locally, the charity is urging politicians to prioritise the full implementation of the Executive’s ‘Stopping Domestic Sexual Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland Strategy’.
David Burns, Head of the adult Helpline at NSPCC in Northern Ireland said: “Witnessing domestic abuse can have a huge impact on a child’s physical and emotional wellbeing, and it is vital that children have access to the right kind of support.
“We all have a part to play in tackling domestic abuse, and it’s important to pick up the phone if you’re concerned so that our trained advisers can offer non-judgemental advice, discuss possibilities and take action where necessary. Stepping in early and putting the child at the heart of all decisions in domestic abuse cases is vital in keeping children safe.”