Domestic abusers are no longer walking the streets. They’re at home with their families.
For thousands of women and children right now, home is anything but safe.
Today, Women’s Aid have launched ‘The Lockdown’, raising awareness of the increased dangers of domestic abuse during the Covid-19 lockdown period. The empty streets and public spaces throughout the UK whilst the nation is on lockdown is now a period where domestic abusers and their partners are self-isolating together at home, and there are real concerns that households living together in close proximity for extended periods may see an increase in abusive incidents.
Between 26th March and 1st April, Women’s Aid experienced a 41% increase in users visiting their Live Chat site, compared to the previous week, with a marked increase in visitors across all digital support services and their support page. The Lockdown is a tense and scary time for everyone but to think that many venerable women and children have to face this period with an abusive partner in the same place means that home is not always a safe haven.
If you are reading this, and you find yourself feeling or being vulnerable in a house hold experiencing any kind of abuse, familiarise yourself with The Silent Solution system. This is a system for victims of domestic abuse who might be afraid of further danger and escalation of harm if they are overheard when calling 999 in an emergency.
When somebody calls 999, an operator will ask which emergency service is required. If you are is not able to ask for help, your call will be forwarded to a police system and you will hear an automated message.
If 55 is pressed by the caller, the system will detect this. The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. Click here to find out more.
National helplines, email, text and live chat support services, and local specialist services, are currently open for business as usual, although their delivery is likely to have to adapt over the coming weeks.
ALSO
Women’s Aid is continuing to provide the following services:
The Survivors’ Forum is an online resource for survivors of domestic abuse. The Survivors’ forum can be accessed 24/7. This is a place where survivors can support each other and share their experiences.
Women’s Aid Live Chat is currently available Monday to Friday 10- 12pm. This could be a safer way to access some support; particularly if an abuser might also be in the property so it would be unsafe to make a telephone call.
Women’s Aid Email Service is still operating and can also provide support.
Sending our love and support and if you need someone to just talk to, Uptown Style team are always here! Just DM us on Instagram.