Be the light in a child’s silent night
In just a few weeks, domestic and family violence (DFV) assaults will reach one of their most dangerous peaks of the year.
For children experiencing DFV, a silent night can mean staying quiet, listening for danger and hoping they’ll make it safely to morning.
Please don’t wait. Your Christmas gift today can help protect children and families facing DFV this Christmas and bring light to a child’s darkest moments.
Every donation brings hope through the darkest hours this Christmas
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For some children, Christmas is the most
dangerous time of the year
Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration for every child. But for some families, added pressures and isolation over the holidays can push already difficult situations to breaking point, increasing the risk of violence at home just when support may be harder to find.
⬆ 78% HIGHER
recorded DFV assaults on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in NSW compared with a typical day.¹
⬆ 118% HIGHER
recorded DFV assaults on on New Year’s Day – the highest recorded level of the year in NSW.¹
“That was the moment I knew it wasn’t just me anymore. My baby wasn’t safe either.” – Kaitlyn*
When Kaitlyn’s partner became controlling and paranoid after the birth of their baby, home was a place of fear. He hid knives under the bed and accused her of trying to kill him.
Then one night, as Kaitlyn breastfed Lucy*, she realised her daughter was at risk too. After Lucy fell asleep, Kaitlyn locked the bedroom door. She lay awake listening, praying they would both make it safely to morning.
Kaitlyn eventually moved with Lucy into a refuge. But leaving violence was only the beginning. There was trauma to process, a baby to care for and a life to rebuild.
Through Barnardos, Kaitlyn found practical support, specialist care and someone to turn to when she needed it most.
This Christmas, your gift can help ensure children like Lucy and their families don’t face their darkest hours alone.
Support for tonight, tomorrow and what comes next
Children don’t simply witness domestic violence. They experience it. But early childhood can also be a strong chance for recovery. Safe, nurturing relationships and predictable routines can help children rebuild trust, confidence and resilience.
Barnardos puts children at the centre of its support – helping families not only through an immediate crisis, but through what comes next.
When it's urgent
After-hours support means families can reach someone for help during evenings, weekends and holidays.
As families rebuild
Practical assistance, parenting support, counselling and specialist services can help families navigate life after violence.
For what comes next
Ongoing child-centred care can help children build the stability and nurturing relationships they need to learn, grow and thrive.
Will you be the light in a child's silent night
Your Christmas gift can bring light when a family needs it most, helping Barnardos be there through moments of crisis and provide the ongoing support children need for a brighter future beyond violence.
1. Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), How much does crime spike over the holidays? The relationship between public holidays and assault, December 2024. *Stock images. Models used for illustrative purposes and names changed to protect privacy.