The monthly average of people getting in touch with the NSPCC concerned about children exposed to domestic violence was 53% higher between last April and December than before the coronavirus lockdown.
There were 8,371 contacts to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children during those nine months. The monthly peak was 1,053 in November.
The charity says its frontline teams are worried about the consequences of domestic abuse on children.
“When this form of abuse isn’t dealt with, it can have long-term impacts on children’s physical and mental wellbeing that can last into adulthood,” the NSPCC said.
Head of policy Anna Edmundson added: “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.”
