Since the lockdown was imposed across the UK, domestic abuse has increased dramatically with calls to agencies like Refuge increasing by 700% and sadly, fatalities linked to domestic abuse have increased.
Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer and can include:
- Coercive behaviour -a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Financial or economic abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
Our specialist support teams are still here to help those at risk of any of the above. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact our team in confidence by calling 0300 123 1 567 and ask to speak to someone in the Community Safety Team or find further support at gov.uk/domestic-abuse.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger call 999 – isolation rules do not apply. #YouAreNotAlone
We also have support services available for perpetrators of domestic abuse – any disclosures will be treated in strictest confidence; however, we have a responsibility to liaise with partner agencies if any safeguarding issues should arise.