A CAMPAIGN to help support children affected by domestic violence through the Christmas period has been launched in South Gloucestershire.

Specialist children’s service Survive has launched the “Silent Night – Every Night” campaign to raise funds to support the work they do, coinciding with South Gloucestershire Domestic Violence Awareness week.

In the UK, 750,000 children witness domestic abuse each year. It is estimated that one-in-five children have experienced domestic abuse, with figures increasing around the festive season.

With over 43 years’ experience of providing a dedicated support service to children and families who have experienced domestic abuse, Survive offer group work and 1:1 support, helping children understand what they have been through and explore how they feel.

A Survive spokesman said: “For many children Christmas is a magical time of the year. It is full of warmth and laughter. It is a time of family traditions and fun. This is the picture we often see when we think of children at Christmas.

“Now, imagine you are a child this Christmas who is living in a household with domestic violence. This household is full of fear instead of joy. There is disappointment and sadness where excitement and laughter should be. You may feel anxious. You may feel lonely. You may just want to get through it without being hurt.

For more information about Survive and the Silent Night – Every Night campaign, visit www.survivedv.org.uk/news.