Leeds support worker tells young people at risk over Christmas they are 'not alone' as NSPCC campaign launched

It comes as more than two thirds of adults across the Yorkshire region believe children face an increased risk of abuse (70%) and exposure to domestic violence (71%) during the Christmas holidays.

New polling from the NSPCC also reveals that one in seven adults in the region (14%) 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 344 from Yorkshire and the Humber, also looked at the potential reasons children face increased risk over Christmas. Among the key reasons identified were financial pressures at home (79%), substance misuse (76%), food insecurity (72%), families spending more time together (61%) and the closure of support service over the Christmas period (63%) as major concerns.

The majority of respondents believe the most effective way to keep children safe at Christmas is for adults to be aware of the warning signs of abuse and neglect and ensuring young people know who to contact if they need support.

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.

The NSPCC has reminded young people who need the support that its Childline service is there for them 24/7 through the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.

Rebecca Shaw from the Leeds Childline team said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and happiness for all children but we know that factors such as financial pressures, increased alcohol consumption and strained family relationships can increase the risk of child abuse in the home over the festive period.

“That’s why it’s important that children across the region know that they’re not alone and that our Childline councillors are here for them day in and day out throughout the festive period, even on Christmas day.”

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

One young person who called the service said: “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?”

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.”

A 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.

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 [email protected] or by calling 0808 800 5000.