Childline has carried out over 2,200 counselling session about coronavirus (COVID-19) since late January.1
Despite having to close Childline’s night service for the first time ever and seeing a 30% drop in volunteer hours due to counsellors self-isolating, we’re battling to still be there for children. Our counsellors have carried out over 1,700 counselling sessions about coronavirus in the last three weeks alone.2
We are increasingly concerned about the number of children who will experience abuse or neglect due to the impact of coronavirus, with families struggling with lockdown, job losses and school closures.
During the past week Childline has delivered 363 counselling sessions where children have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect – up nearly a fifth from the week before.3
"I am not happy at home. My parents are physically abusing me - it's happening quite often now since schools closed and I'm really scared. They hit me and often it leaves me with bruises. I really want to get out of the house and be somewhere safe and happy. I'm scared that my parents will get angry and hurt me more if I tell someone."
15-year-old girl to Childline
Abuse can stop with a call to the NSPCC Helpline. Will you help us answer every call?