The Government has recently imposed lockdown measures requiring people to stay at home. These measures only allow people to leave their home for one of four reasons. More details can be found on the government website.
The lockdown restrictions have led to concern that victims of domestic abuse, whose homes are not a safe place, may now be even more vulnerable as a result of such restrictions.
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has recently made a statement confirming that anyone at risk of domestic abuse is still able to leave their home and seek refuge. She has also confirmed that refuges will remain open during this pandemic, that the police will continue to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline will continue to operate. More information can be found here.
What should you do if you are a victim of domestic abuse?
If you are a victim of domestic abuse it is suggested by domestic abuse organisations that you make arrangements so that you are prepared if matters were to escalate and you need to remove yourself from an abusive household.
For useful suggestions as to what steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your children and for a list of organisations and the different ways in which they might be able to support you, see our previous blog here. If you or your children are in immediate risk, call 999 for police assistance.
If you are scared to be overheard by the abuser when calling 999, you can use the Silent Solution system by calling 999 then, instead of speaking to the operator, by pressing 55. The operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.
Of course, the rules that we must follow during this pandemic are constantly changing and the Government websites and advice should be checked regularly. If you would like advice about Domestic Abuse issues, please contact our Family Team at 01206 700113 or email [email protected]