Domestic Abuse can affect anybody. You. A friend. A family member. A colleague. A client. A neighbour.
We know that home isn’t a safe place for everybody.
The need for household isolation and social distancing due to Covid-19 will have a direct impact on the people and families experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse may also escalate with the increase in stress, uncertainty, and challenges in making safe contact for help and support.
Reports from other countries have shown that incidents of domestic abuse increased significantly following the outbreak, and it’s more important than ever that we stay connected and take care of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.
How can you help? It is crucial that people who need support know that services are there and able to help and support them. If it’s safe to do so, please do share information about domestic abuse on social media, including routes to help and support (Reducing the Risk’s Facebook page has helpful content), maintain contact via video call if possible, and if you’re worried about somebody in an emergency always call 999.
Women’s Aid have published COVID-19/Coronavirus: Safety Advice for Survivors which can also be shared.
Safe Lives additionally have published information and resources on their website, including guidance from Surviving Economic Abuse on economic abuse while self-isolating, as well as practical issues including benefits and sick pay. There is also a parent pack full of useful ideas for activities to do with children, links to educational resources, and helpful advice for helping children to talk about their worries. These can be accessed at http://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19