Domestic abuse during the coronavirus outbreak

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality or background.

There are different kinds of abuse that can happen in different situations. The most common type of domestic abuse occurs within intimate relationships.

While everyone across the country is staying in their homes to reduce the spread of coronavirus, this could increase the severity of abuse.

Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes and isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a way to control an individual.

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it’s a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, that can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual.

We know that this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone – but particularly so for adults and children living with domestic abuse.

As always, if you or someone else is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police.

Below are a number of support services available to sufferer’s of domestic abuse during this time:

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid have provided additional safety advice for survivors of domestic abuse who may be feeling unsafe if they are isolated in the house with the perpetrator.

Save Lives

Save Lives have launched a dedicated domestic abuse and COVID-19 area on their website filled with resources and support services for victims of domestic abuse.

Refuge

Refuge have provided lots of information for domestic abuse victims during the coronavirus outbreak, including safety tips for survivors.

The 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is also available during this time on 0808 2000 247 or you can visit the National Domestic Abuse Helpline website.

GOV.UK

The Home Office also provides lots of information and links to support services for the victims of domestic abuse at this time.