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Contacts about child sexual abuse in the family home rise by over a fifth in a single year

We're reminding people to contact the NSPCC Helpline with concerns about child sexual abuse.

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  • Last year the Helpline received more than 1,000 contacts from adults worried about intrafamilial child sexual abuse, a 22% rise compared to 2023/24.
  • This comes as we publish a new briefing report highlighting the devastating impacts this form of abuse can have on children into adulthood.
  • While reporting can be difficult, we’re urging anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse within the family to contact the Helpline immediately.

New figures reveal an annual increase of 22% in child welfare contacts from adults concerned about intrafamilial child sexual abuse.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Helpline handled 1,042 contacts from adults worried about child sexual abuse in the family, up more than a fifth on the previous year.1

Whilst contacts about this form of abuse continue to rise, the overall number of contacts to the Helpline regarding child sexual abuse and exploitation remained consistent year on year.2

The increase in contacts could be due to several factors, including growing conversations around mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, recent research on intrafamilial sexual abuse and increased public awareness.

Adults who got in touch with us sought advice after noticing signs that may indicate child sexual abuse was taking place, reported disclosures of abuse from young people and shared concerns about perpetrators still having access to children within the family.

Many also sought guidance on how to support a young person after they had confided in them about their abuse.

Worried about a child?

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

Find out more

A family member who contacted the Helpline said:

“I’m worried about my sister’s children who are 10- and 12-year-old girls. They live with their grandfather who is controlling. One of the girls has disclosed that her grandfather made her touch his penis. I am trying to support my sister in getting the grandfather moved out of their house, but she is telling me that it is a difficult situation as he has nowhere else to go. I think she is scared of him. I have talked to other family members about this, and they have told me of the harm I will do if I report it.”

The long-lasting effects of child sexual abuse in the family

While our new report recognises the difficulty in reporting family members, it also warns of the devastating impact this abuse can have into adulthood and encourages those with concerns to come forward.

Intrafamilial child sexual abuse includes abuse perpetrated by family and household members, including step-parents, step-siblings and foster carers.

It can result in victims experiencing emotional and physical pain as well as flashbacks, and can negatively impact mental health, brain development, behaviour and relationships throughout their life.

Children also face tremendous barriers when it comes to reporting their abuse, including conflicting feelings about family members, feelings of shame and guilt, or concerns that they may not be believed.

This means that adults play a vital safeguarding role for children, which is why it is essential that anyone with concerns continues to reach out to the Helpline for further support.

Just one phone call could have long-lasting and far-reaching impacts, not only protecting a child from further harm, but also other siblings or relatives within the family.

Read our report:
Insights on Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse

Aunee, an NSPCC Lived Experience Advocate, who was sexually abused by a family member aged 13, said:

“Following my disclosure, the doctor informed the police, and I was also referred to the NSPCC for specialist support and counselling. Growing up in a community where topics such as child sexual abuse are highly taboo and where there is often a culture of silence, disclosure felt incredibly daunting and isolating. Speaking about what had happened was not only emotionally difficult, but also came with the fear of judgement, shame, and cultural repercussions.

“I believe this increase reflects the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and highlights the importance of reporting concerns to ensure child safety. The NSPCC provides a vital lifeline for both children and adults who may have concerns or suspicions but do not know where else to turn. I would encourage anyone with a concern about a child to come forward.”

Kam Thandi, NSPCC Helpline Director, said:

“Child sexual abuse can have a profound and devastating impact on a child's life, often echoing into adulthood. This is even more true when the perpetrator is a trusted family member.

“Intrafamilial child sexual abuse can be particularly difficult too for the victim to speak up about due to family dynamics. This is why adults play such a vital safeguarding role for children.

“We urge anyone with concerns about a child experiencing sexual abuse in the home to reach out to our Helpline for further advice. Speaking out can help young victims get the vital support they need and put a stop to this horrific abuse.”

Worried about a child?

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

Find out more

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References

  1. 1. In 2023/24, the Helpline received 851 contacts about intrafamilial child sexual abuse.

  2. 2. From 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 the NSPCC Helpline responded to 7,984 child welfare contacts about sexual abuse and/or exploitation (contact). Between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024 NSPCC Helpline handled 7,968 child welfare contacts about sexual abuse and/or exploitation (contact). This is less than 1% change year on year.

    These findings were taken from a new NSPCC briefing report titled “Insights on Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse”.