POLICE made on average 669 child protection referrals a day for domestic abuse to social services across England and Wales last year.

New NSPCC data from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services shows there were 244,197 referrals in 2020/21, an eight per cent increase from the previous year.

Forces in Yorkshire and the Humber recorded 7,277 referrals in 2020/21 – an increase of 2.4 per cent on the previous year, and an average of almost 20 referrals every day.

With the Victim’s Law consultation closing this week, the NSPCC is calling on Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, to ensure all child victims of domestic abuse have access to specialist, therapeutic services to support their recovery.

Anna Edmundson, NSPCC Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said: “Sadly, we know these figures are the tip of the iceberg as domestic abuse often goes unreported.

“Domestic abuse can derail a childhood and it is unacceptable that support to recover remains patchy across the country, and what is available risks being axed by cash-strapped councils.

“We urge Dominic Raab to ensure young victims of domestic abuse have easy access to professional services within their community so they can rebuild their lives.”