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<\/p>\nTwo-thirds of adults in Northern Ireland believe the risk of children being harmed or abused increases over Christmas<\/p>\n
An NSPCC poll also reveals one in seven respondents from Northern Ireland have been worried during the holidays for the safety of a child known to them.<\/p>\n
It found that two-thirds of adults in the region believe children face an increased risk of harm or abuse (66%) and exposure to domestic violence (72%) during the Christmas holidays.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The YouGov survey of 4,259 UK adults, which includes 204 from Northern Ireland, analysed the dangers that adults believe children face over Christmas and the potential reasons why young people are at increased risk.<\/p>\n
When asked why they were concerned about children experiencing harm or abuse at home during the holidays, adults said financial pressures, substance misuse at home, food insecurity, families spending more time together and support services such a schools being closed.<\/p>\n
Childline has launched a new hard-hitting campaign, supported by actress Natalie Dormer to raise awareness of how Christmas can be the most dangerous time of year for some children.<\/p>\n
Last year, thousands of young people from across the UK contacted the NSPCC\u2019s Childline service with concerns about abuse across the winter period.<\/p>\n
Dormer, who is the NSPCC\u2019s ambassador for Childline, said the findings shine a light on an uncomfortable truth that many people do not want to confront during the festive season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile most of us are excited about Christmas, for a disturbing amount of some children it represents a time of uncertainty and fear,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe campaign film, based on a real survivor\u2019s story, powerfully captures that moment of dread when the school term ends and a child\u2019s safe space disappears.<\/p>\n
\u201cBehind the closed doors of homes across the country, children are suffering in silence while the rest of us celebrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis NSPCC campaign reminds young people that Childline will be there for them to across the festive period.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: \u201cThis new polling highlights a troubling reality that Christmas \u2013 which should be a time of joy and happiness for all children \u2013 can instead be a period of heightened danger for some.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinancial 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Any adults concerned about a child\u2019s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.<\/p>\n
Young people can contact Childline 24\/7 by phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.<\/p>\n
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