NSPCC chief executive Mary Marsh said: "It would be comforting to think that children aren't affected by domestic violence.

"Sadly most children in our study were all too aware that their mothers were suffering abuse."

Emotional abuse

NSPCC research officer, Caroline McGee said the term "domestic violence" was used to describe constant intimidation, humiliation and other forms of psychological control, as well as acts of physical or sexual violence.

"While people clearly have difficulties recognising non-physical forms of abuse, it's usually the psychological and emotional abuse that women and children say is the worst and has the most lasting impacts," she said.

The charity believes there is a need for a public education campaign - aimed at children and adults - to break the taboo of domestic violence and show what help is available.

Lollipop ladies trained

In York, the NSPCC is leading a scheme to train those who come into contact with young people, so they can act if they suspect a child is living with violence at home or if a child asks for help.

Under the Patch Work Initiative teachers, health visitors, school secretaries, youth workers, community workers as well as school dinner supervisors, lollipop men and women and parents themselves will be trained.

NSPCC domestic violence co-ordinator in York, Dee Cooley, said young people need access to informal help without referrals.

She said: "It has to be close to home and they have to be able to turn to someone who they know and trust."

Other organisations involved in the scheme - based at Oaklands School - are Women's Aid, the York School Health Service, Safer York Partnership and North Yorkshire Police.