As we make our way into December, families and children across the UK will be looking forward to Christmas.
While carols and Christmas songs, lights, trees and gifts are the focus of most of us, for some families, the festive season feels very different.
New polling for the NSPCC found one in eight respondents across the country have been worried for the safety of a child during the Christmas holidays.
YouGov surveyed 4,259 adults across the UK around their concerns for a child at Christmas and found that around two-thirds believed children face an increased risk of abuse (66%), and exposure to domestic violence (69%), during the festive holidays.
Factors adults mentioned for children experiencing increased risk over Christmas included financial pressures at home (73%), substance misuse at home (69%), food insecurity (65%), families spending more time together (61%), and reduced support from support services like social services and schools (55%).
The NSPCC’s Childline service heard from thousands of children and young people from across the UK last winter who wanted to talk about abuse, and the charity has just launched its new Christmas campaign to encourage young people to seek support if they need it this winter.
Another child, aged 16, told the service: “It always all kicks off at Christmas. Mum goes crazy at dad; she hates him trying to speak to his family, even to say Merry Christmas. She hates him speaking to anyone else really. I can hear her calling him lazy and useless for not doing enough again this year and she’s made him cry. I want to walk out, but where would I go on Christmas? I’ve locked myself in my room with my sister for now; when mum’s done with dad, she might blow up on us next”
Another young person told Childline: “Dad’s drinking always gets worse at Christmas. Then the drinking leads to arguments and the arguments turn into him hitting mum. I wish I could protect her, but dad is so much stronger than us both. I want to call the police, or social services, but who will come out at Christmas?”
The campaign advert, which is now showing on TV and radio stations across the country, is inspired by the true story of a woman who was abused by her father. It follows a little girl Sarah, who returns home from school at the end of winter term and is confronted by the presence of her abusive father.
This year’s campaign is support by actor, producer and NSPCC Ambassador for Childline, Natalie Dormer, who is a staunch supporter of the charity.
She said: “While most of us are excited about Christmas, for a disturbing amount of some children it represents a time of uncertainty and fear.
“Behind the closed doors of homes across the country, children are suffering in silence while the rest of us celebrate. This NSPCC campaign, reminds young people that Childline will be there for them to across the festive period.”
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “This new research highlights a troubling reality that Christmas – which should be a time of joy and happiness for all children – can instead be a period of heightened danger for some.
“Financial strain, increased alcohol consumption, and families spending more time together behind closed doors are all factors that can heighten the risk of child abuse in the home over the festive period. That’s why our Christmas campaign is so important, reminding children they are not alone and that Childline is here for them day and night over the festive period.”
Childline is available for young people around the clock, even on Christmas Day, by phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.
Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.