A child from Scotland who "can’t handle living" with her father is among the thousands of children who are experiencing domestic abuse.

The NSPCC has reported that in the first six months of 2024/25, it has received 3,879 contacts relating to the issue.

This is a 19 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

 

(Image: NSPCC) The 12-year-old girl told a Childline counsellor: "I can’t handle living around my dad; he puts us all on edge.

"You never know what he’s going to do next or over what.

"Mum thought she’d lost her phone weeks ago, but really dad hid it to punish her.

"Mum doesn’t even argue back anymore, it’s like he’s made her give up."

Children are also directly contacting the charity about this issue with Childline delivering more than 500 counselling sessions on domestic abuse in the same six-month period.

The concern now is that these numbers will continue to rise with longer and darker nights seeing children spending more time at home and having several weeks away from school over the festive period.

(Image: NSPCC) In response, the NSPCC is launching its annual Christmas campaign designed to remind young people that Childline is available throughout the festive season to support on all concerns, including domestic abuse.

Adeniyi Alade, head of NSPCC helplines in Scotland, said: "Christmas should be a time of wonder and excitement for children, but sadly this is not always the case.

"For some it can be a time in the year when problems at home come to a head and trigger issues like domestic abuse.

"Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline about domestic abuse have been on the rise this year and the concern now is that this will continue over Christmas and into 2025.

"Our mission is to ensure that no child is left to suffer in silence.

"Our Childline service is open in December and throughout the year to provide free, confidential advice and support."

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.