Domestic Abuse & COVID-19: One Year On

This article highlights the experiences of domestic abuse victims and survivors throughout COVID-19 and how the pandemic has increased levels of abuse. Please note that some readers may find this article triggering.

It’s been one year since we were told to ‘stay at home’ for the first time and what a rollercoaster of a year it has been for everyone. For some this year has brought moments of reflections, gratitude and a maybe a new hobby! However, for many it has been an incredibly challenging, frightening and unsafe year.

We must spare a moment to think about those who have been trapped at home with their abusive partner or family member. Domestic abuse has been in the spotlight like never before, as services have seen an unprecedented increase in referrals, calls to helplines and demand for refuge space. During the first national lockdown, within three weeks the number of women killed by an abusive partner in England and Wales had already increased from two a week to just over five a week.

Domestic abuse services, the police, amongst others in the domestic abuse sector have worked to ensure people know where to go for help and are able to access this support. However, for many victims and survivors the level of abuse has increased during the pandemic and added further barriers to accessing support. Women’s Aid conducted a survey with victims and survivors to find out the impact COVID-19 has had on the abuse they have experienced. One victim/survivor they spoke to said “I am reliant upon my abuser to get food and medication as I am shielding for 12 weeks. This is being used against me”.

Abusers have used the pandemic, virus and lockdown restrictions to further isolate and control their victims, by preventing them from leaving the house, restricting access to support networks or preventing them from seeking medical attention. These abuse tactics have prevented victims and survivors from being able to seek help and escape the abuse. However, the resilience of victims and survivors must be acknowledged and applauded as the increase in referrals and helpline calls speak for themselves. There has been an increase in funding for domestic abuse services to ensure victims and survivors have continued to receive support throughout the pandemic.

Within the City of London during the first national lockdown the number of reports made to the police had decreased compared to the same months in the previous year. This could be a result of victims and survivors not being able to leave their home to get help or their abuser always being around. It could also be a result of the population of the City of London significantly decreasing since people were told to work from home. However, the decrease in reports does not mean domestic abuse is not happening and throughout the pandemic the City of London have continued to raise awareness of support services that are available to victims and survivors, within the City and across all City of London estates.

Throughout the past year there have been big changes in awareness of domestic abuse, it has been at the forefront of news and media outlets and big organisations have come together to support victims and survivors, through schemes such as Ask for ANI. It is crucial that we do not lose the momentum that has been created around domestic abuse and we continue to work towards a society where everyone can live free from abuse. Domestic abuse is everyone’s business and it is crucial that we do what we can to support our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues.

For further advice on how you can support others please contact Safer.City@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Where to get help:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Victim Supportline: 0808 16 89 111 www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Galop (LGBT+ service): 0800 999 5428 www.galop.org.uk/

Solace: 0808 802 5565 www.solacewomensaid.org/

Asian Women’s Resource Centre: 020 8961 6549 www.asianwomencentre.org.uk/

IKWRO (Iranian and Kurdish women): 0207 920 6460 ikwro.org.uk/

Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327 mensadviceline.org.uk/

Respect (support for perpetrators): 0808 8024040 www.respect.uk.net/

LAWRS (Latin American, Spanish and Portuguese service): 020 7336 0888 www.lawrs.org.uk/

City Advice: Advice for people in the City of London (toynbeehall.org.uk)