NSPCC in the East reports huge rise in referrals for domestic abuse
NSPCC reports huge increase in calls to its helpline in the East.
The NSPCC says it's seen a 93% rise in the number of referrals made during the pandemic via its helpline in the East about children living with domestic abuse.
It's warning that those numbers are going to continue to grow during this lockdown.
The charity says it's making an average of 108 referrals a month to local authorities and the police in the East, as adults continue to call in worried about children living with domestic abuse since the start of the crisis.
It said concerned neighbours have increasingly reported hearing non-stop arguing and kids crying to the charity's confidential helpline for adults worried about children.
The NSPCC says one member of the public who called the Helpline for advice said: “For the past few weeks, I’ve been hearing loud and aggressive shouting between a man and woman who live a few doors away from me.
"They’re at it pretty much every day and it generally lasts a couple of hours.
"Sometimes I hear their children crying when the parents are arguing.
"I’ve only really noticed this since I’ve been at home on furlough. I’m worried the kids aren’t being looked after properly.”
The charity says left unaddressed this form of abuse can have profound and long-term impacts on children's physical and mental well-being that can last into adulthood.
It is now calling on the Government to amend the Domestic Abuse Bill to make it a legal requirement for local agencies to provide community-based services so children can access support wherever they live.
The NSPCC says without this they fear funding for community-based services could be diverted to prioritise accommodation-based services that councils do have a legal duty to provide.
It says this new duty must be backed up by funding for local agencies so they can deliver it.
Anna Edmundson, NSPCC 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 Government has taken the crucial step of recognising the profound impact domestic abuse has on children’s wellbeing but they now need to go further and ensure there are services for children in the community, wherever they live.”
Anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse or has concerns that someone else may be can contact the NSPCC’s Helpline for information and advice on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk, or fill in an online form on their website.