Sarah's story: trapped at home over Christmas
To those around her, Sarah seemed just like any other little girl. She loved to read, curled up with her favourite books.
But from the age of seven, Sarah was sexually abused by her father. Her childhood was filled with fear and secrecy.
At Christmas, it was even harder for Sarah to escape the abuse.
“Christmas was horrible. There were more opportunities for him to be alone with me.”
Finding Childline gave her a sense of comfort and safety – and later on, the courage to speak out.
"I wanted to run away, but knew I couldn't – so I called Childline."
Listening to the hardest calls at Christmas
Tarnia is a Childline counsellor. For the last four years, she’s spent Christmas Day on the frontline.
She moves between calls and online chats, listening and adapting to each child as they tell her about abuse, control or fear at home.
"Some children aren’t allowed to have Christmas dinner, while the rest of the family eats.”
Tarnia stays focused and responsive on every call and chat. Even brief moments of support can help children feel less alone and a little safer.
Help us be there for children this Christmas
Our counsellors are ready to answer children when they need us most – day and night, even on Christmas Day.
But without your support, too many contacts from children risk going unanswered. So this Christmas, please help us be there for them.
£4 a month could help us answer an urgent call from one child, every month.
£8 a month could help us be there for scared children, this Christmas and all year round.
£20 a month could help ensure Childline counsellors are ready when a child’s life is at risk.
Our TV ad, based on Sarah's story, shows how Christmas can be a dangerous time of year for children. With your support, when they ring this Christmas, we can be ready to answer.
More ways to support us this Christmas
Worried about a child?
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk
Notes
Sarah is a Lived Experience Advocate for the NSPCC.
Tarnia is a Childline counsellor at the NSPCC.
Photos on this page have been posed by models.
*Last winter, 2,765 children contacted NSPCC's Childline about abuse. Source: NSPCC Knowledge and Information Service 2025.