Home Secretary unveils more help for domestic abuse victims in virus lockdown

? April 16, 2020  ? Helen Thewlis  ? Domestic Violence, Family, Covid-19

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel has launched a new campaign. This is to help domestic abuse victims in the current lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Home Secretary said at the government daily briefing late last week that, the Home Office is working with domestic abuse charities to provide a further ￡2million of funding. This follows the calls to the National Domestic Violence Helpline rising by 25% since the lockdown was put in place on 23rd March 2020. In addition, the visits to their website increased by 150% compared to the visits recorded in the last week of February 2020. It is clear, that people are suffering from domestic abuse in lockdown and they are actively searching for help and a place to turn.

Seeking help and advice regarding domestic abuse can be difficult at any time, we recognise that it may seem harder due to the lockdown however, we are still here to help along with the domestic abuse charities that are able to provide ongoing help and support.

We are able to work with you via telephone and/or email (as telephone may not be appropriate for some people) so that you can access the help, support and in some cases the protection that you may need. We continue to help people with emergency Court Orders that they may require to protect them and their children.

The further support from the Government as detailed above is of course welcomed and it is pleasing to note that victims of domestic abuse are being considered in these extremely difficult times. The important message is that if you are suffering from domestic abuse then you are not alone and there is help out there in many forms. It is anticipated that the lockdown has increased domestic abuse in some households as people are together in one place for concentrated periods of time particularly, as the majority of people are now working from home.

It is also important to note that if you are in any danger you must call the Police immediately, they are still here to help. It is always advised that all incidents of domestic abuse be reported to the Police.

If you would like to speak with a member of our Family team then please call on 08000 147720 or send us an email to book a free information session.