Covid-19 and domestic abuse
COVID-19 and domestic abuse
The isolation measures in place during this pandemic have had a profound effect on so many. There has been an overwhelming increase in the number of reports of abuse as victims were in lock down with their abusers. Sadly, this has happened on a global scale.
On average, two women a week die at the hands of their current or former partner but in the last three weeks, this has more than doubled with a count of 16 domestic abuse killings (Victims Commissioner). The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline in a single day! (April 2020)
We need to understand that lock down itself is not the cause of abuse. It is the abuser’s choice to assert power and control that is the cause. Isolation is already a means that perpetrators use to control an individual. With the measures in place to ‘stay home’, the isolation intensifies. Home is not a safe place for many victims of abuse and with lock down, abuse escalated with the police warning that many individuals are becoming increasingly vulnerable. West Midlands Police arrested 400 domestic abuse suspects in the space of just two weeks. Whilst this highlights the shocking figures it reassuringly shows that the Police will come if you need them.
If you are in immediate danger and at risk of harm call 999. If you’re frightened of being heard and can’t speak then there is a way for the police to detect this using Silent Solutions – press 55 (mobile phone) and your call will be transferred and you will be asked a series of simple questions which you answer yes/no. If your call is from a landline, stay on the line and you’ll be transferred to a police call handler. You may need to put the phone down, but the line will stay open for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.
We want you to know that you are not alone and help is available. Please click on the link following for in depth information during this time of extreme challenge and difficulty.
