Childline has revealed over the past year the service has delivered 14,080 counselling sessions to children and young people about sexual, physical, domestic, emotional abuse and neglect – an average of 38 a day.
The service, which is run by the NSPCC, is also highlighting that of those counselling sessions, 31% (4,321) had a child say that Childline was the first place where they had spoken about their abuse.
The NSPCC is releasing these figures as it launches its Christmas appeal.
Although Christmas comes with huge expectations of happiness, love and fun – for the more than half a million children experiencing abuse a year, it can also be an incredibly lonely and frightening time.
With schools closing their doors and children having reduced contact with wider support networks over the festive season, the charity knows that there will be many vulnerable children at home facing increased risks.
For those children and young people for whom Christmas means abuse, Childline is a lifeline.
Last year during the 12-day Christmas period between 24 December 2022 and 4 January 2023, counsellors delivered 400 counselling sessions on abuse and neglect.
December last year was also the second highest month in the year for children reaching out for support on emotional abuse (247).
*A young girl from Northern Ireland told Childline: “I don’t know how I’ll make it through Christmas with my abuser here. Last time there was huge argument when mum tried to intervene.
“She tries to support me but then she’s a target as well. They even tried to hit her. It’s like we’re supposed to ignore their behaviour just because it’s Christmas.
“I need to know how to cope and keep myself safe.”
In its new TV advert, the NSPCC highlights that on average a child will call Childline every 45 seconds and that for these children, Christmas can be the worst time of year.
The ad is inspired by real calls from children to the NSPCC’s Childline service, which is open for children every day, including Christmas day.
Shaun Friel, Childline director said: “Although Christmas should be a time of happiness and fun for all children, at Childline we know that sadly this is not the case and that for many, it is a time full of fear, isolation and increased risks.
“For lots of children, Childline is the only place they can turn to for help when they are trapped behind closed doors feeling scared and alone.
“In the run up to this festive season, it is essential that the service continues to be here as a lifeline for those children who are in desperate need of support from our trained counsellors and those in immediate danger.”
To enable the charity to be there for all children this Christmas, visit the NSPCC website to donate. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call this festive season.
The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When a child needs help and Christmas means abuse, Childline is a lifeline and it is vital that our counsellors are here and ready to listen and support children across the UK.
*Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk For details of the NSPCC Christmas appeal, go to: www.nspcc.org.uk/christmas
Follow NSPCC NI on: @nspccni (Twitter/X) @nspccnorthernireland (Facebook) @nspccni (Instagram).