Poll suggests risk of children being harmed or abused at home increases over Christmas

More than three in five adults in the West Midlands believe children face an increased risk of harm or abuse at home and exposure to domestic violence during the Christmas holidays.

New polling from the NSPCC also reveals that one in eight adults in the region (13%) have had concerns for the safety of a child they know over the festive period.

The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which includes 347 from the West Midlands, analysed the dangers that adults believe children face over Christmas and the potential reasons why young people are at increased risk.

The new NSPCC poll comes as the charity launches a hard-hitting campaign shining a light on how, for some children, Christmas is the most dangerous time of year.

Last year thousands of young people from across the UK contacted the NSPCC's Childline service with concerns about abuse across the winter period.

A 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, now showing on TV and running across radio, 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.

Natalie Dormer, actor, producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, said: “These findings shine a light on an uncomfortable truth that many people don't want to confront during the festive season.

"While most of us are excited about Christmas, for a disturbing amount of some children it represents a time of uncertainty and fear.

“The campaign film, based on a real survivor's story, powerfully captures that moment of dread when the school term ends and a child's safe space disappears.

“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.”

This Christmas, therefore, Childline is reminding young people that it is there for them 24/7 via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website. 

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said: "This new polling 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 pressures, increased alcohol consumption, and strained family relationships  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.

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.