Child domestic violence incidents in Kent have increased by 286% compared to last year, authorities have confirmed.

Police made more than 3,900 referrals to social services for domestic abuse in the county in 2020/21, but the NSPCC fears this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Police made around 11 child protection referrals a day for domestic abuse to social services across Kent, and 669 in England and Wales.

The new analysis of data from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services shows there were 3,949 referrals in the Kent in 2020/21.

This is a 286% increase from the previous year, when the figure was 1,023.

Last year the NSPCC helpline saw a record number of calls from adults concerned about the wellbeing of a child.

The risk of domestic abuse increased during the pandemic as people were trapped in homes and largely cut off from vital support networks during lockdown.

Ellie Pirrie from the NSPCC talks about the impact of the pandemic on domestic abuse figures

Not only did child domestic abuse figures rise, but also domestic abuse reports from men as hundreds broke their silence to Kent Police.

Homeless charity Porchlight also reported a rise in domestic abuse against women, with many fearing they would have to flee their homes to escape the violence.

And just last week it was revealed digital technologies are increasingly becoming the latest tool used by domestic abuse offenders, a Home Office report found.

And in January children were for the first time in the UK, officially recognised as victims of domestic abuse as part of the Domestic Abuse Act and the NSPCC hopes this will mean professionals on the frontline, such as social workers and police, will consider the children's needs on an equal level.

However, there is a concern that this alone will not guarantee enough support is in place for children.

Ellie Pirrie, an officer at the NSPCC explained what child domestic abuse is.

She said: "Though the majority of us think that domestic abuse is between adults, children are very much wrapped up in that abuse.

"It's never normally about just witnessing abuse between parents but they're physically, emotionally and mentally drawn into that abuse.

"For instance a child may be trying to protect an adult victim against that abuser, they could be coercively controlled and so on.

"It really does leave a lasting impression on that child."

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."

Local councils have a statutory duty to provide accommodation and support services when children need to leave their homes to escape domestic abuse.

At the moment there is no requirement to provide therapeutic support in the community for victims who remain at home after suffering abuse.

Ms Edmundson added: “We urge Dominic Raab to use the Victim’s Law to address this and ensure young victims of domestic abuse have easy access to professional services within their community so they can rebuild their lives no matter where they live.”

Latest figures from Women's Aid show that 148,852 children were supported by community-based services compared to 11,890 children in refuges.

Similarly in the Action for Children's report, investigations found that children face barriers to accessing support in two-thirds of local authorities.

This is generally because of restrictions on provision for children in the early years.

Adults with concerns about a child experiencing domestic abuse can contact the Helpline in confidence, which is free and available 24 hours a day on 0808 800500.

Young people who are worried about domestic abuse can call Childline on 0800 1111 or use the online Childline chat service to speak to advisers online.