There are fears the summer holidays may have seen more children across Lincolnshire witnessing domestic abuse
Charities believe issues like the cost of living crisis may well lead to more cases
Last updated 18th Sep 2023
There are fears over the impact of an increase in domestic abuse on children across Lincolnshire.
It's thought the cost of living crisis has led to more problems.
And over the summer holidays that's likely to have led to more youngsters seeing abuse.
They may not be allowed friends round
Chloe says from Boston and South Lincolnshire support organisation Soldas says it can be difficult for those children:
"If they're not wanting to invite friends round because they're worried about that perpetrators' behaviour or they're not allowed friends round, or they're not allowed to go to friends houses because of that control that the perpetrator has.
It can make the summer holidays feel really long for some children.
"The added barrier now is the cost of living crisis, we know that poverty is a massive barrier to escaping a domestic abuse relationship, and we know that obviously when children are at home because of the summer holidays that can make things a lot more difficult for the victim as well, to find an escape."
We're seeing an increased risk of phone calls especially to the NSPCC
She added that witnessing the abuse can have a real impact on young people:
"Children aren't going to school to have that outlet - that safety - that often children that have witnessed domestic abuse or there is domestic abuse in the household, they see school as like that their safety net and they almost have that breather when they go to school, so that can be really difficult.
"Also, there's more of an increased risk of them seeing the effects that has on the whole family dynamic as well, and that links in, to why we've seeing that increased risk of phone calls, especially to the NSPCC, over the summer holidays."
To find out more go to Boston Women's Aid.