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Two thirds of UK adults believe the risk of children being abused increases over Christmas

We’re launching a campaign about how Christmas is the most dangerous time of year for some children.

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  • Our new poll also reveals one in eight respondents have been worried for the safety of a child known to them during the Christmas holidays.
  • Financial pressures, substance misuse and strained family relationships are some of the main reasons given for why adults believe the risk of harm to young people rises over the festive period.
  • A new hard-hitting Childline campaign, supported by Natalie Dormer, is raising awareness of how Christmas can be the most dangerous time of year for some children and how the service is here to help them through the holidays.

Worried about a child?

You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk

Find out more

Data in detail

Two thirds of UK adults believe children face an increased risk of abuse (66%) and exposure to domestic violence (69%) during the Christmas holidays.

Our new poll also reveals that one in eight adults have had concerns for the safety of a child they know over the festive period.

The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults analysed the dangers that adults believe children face over Christmas and the potential reasons why young people are at increased risk.

When asked why they were concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home during the holidays, respondents identified:

  • Financial pressures at home (73%)
  • Substance misuse at home (69%)
  • Food insecurity (65%)
  • Families spending more time together (61%)
  • Support services — social services and schools — either closed or operating at reduced capacity (55%).

The majority of those polled believe the best way to help children who may be in danger 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.

Young people have told Childline...

“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?”

— A young person

"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”

— Child, aged 16

Our Christmas appeal

Our new Christmas 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.

Watch our Christmas appeal video

Natalie Dormer, Actor, Producer and NSPCC’s Ambassador for Childline, said:

“These findings reveal an uncomfortable truth that often goes unspoken at this time of year. While many of us look forward to Christmas, far too many children face a season filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and fear.

“The campaign advert, inspired by a real survivor’s story, captures that heartbreaking moment when the school term ends and a child’s only safe space slips away.

“Behind closed doors across the country, children are enduring unimaginable situations while the rest of the world celebrates. This NSPCC campaign sends a crucial message: Childline will be there for every young person who needs support throughout the festive period.”

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Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC, said:

"This new research 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 far too many children”

“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.”

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