Domestic abuse and children

Children see and hear a lot more than we think. If there is domestic abuse in the household the children will be affected by it.

Research suggests that:

An estimated 160,000 children in England are currently living in households where domestic abuse is taking place.
The NSPCC Helpline fielded almost 4,000 contacts about concerns for children experiencing domestic abuse between April 2024 and September 2024.
78% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by the perpetrator, beyond witnessing abuse (NCDV figures).
SafeLives estimates that at least one child in every primary school classroom has lived with domestic abuse since birth.

Please reach out for support. You will not be blamed. You might have been told as part of the abuse that your children will be taken away from you. That is a myth often used by abusers to control and manipulate you. Doncaster services want to work with you to keep you and your children safe and free from abuse.

If you are under 16 years of age and worried about domestic abuse you can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 or call the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. You can also text the NSPCC on 88858.

If you are experiencing abuse and would like help for you and your children

Remember, abuse is never your fault, and you have the right to be safe and so do your children.

Please call the Doncaster domestic abuse hub on 01302 737080. The helpline is open Monday - Friday 9am-4.30pm.

You can also contact Doncaster Council Children's Services on 01302 734100 between 8:30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours call on 01302 796000.

In an emergency always dial 999. You can also report abuse to South Yorkshire Police if it is not an emergency by dialing 101.

If you suspect your own behaviour is abusive call the Respect Helpline on 0808 8024040.

Return to the Domestic Abuse homepage