CYP Now - Pandemic puts 16,000 children at risk of domestic abuse, charity warns

The Covid-19 health crisis placed at least 16,000 children at a greater risk of domestic abuse over the Christmas period, according to research by the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF).

The pandemic is the increasing risk of domestic abuse across the UK, charities warn. Picture: Adobe Stock

The charity warned that home working and the possibility of further restrictions to stop the spread of the Omicron variant will put additional strain on family life and increase the risk of violence in the home.

The EIF's research is based on figures from the NSPCC, which estimates 3.2 per cent of under 11s and 2.5 per cent of 11-17s are exposed to domestic violence. Based on current population statistics that could have seen at least 15,948 children at risk over the two-week period of Christmas.

The charity also predicts that more than 400,000 children could be at risk of domestic abuse in 2022.

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