Refuge suggests code word plan

Concerned neighbours could establish a code word with those they fear are at risk of domestic violence in the coronavirus lockdown, Women’s Refuge says.

New Zealand entered a nationwide four-week lockdown last Wednesday to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Marlborough Women’s Refuge and Sexual Violence Support Centre manager Rachel Black said isolation could have detrimental effects on people living with their abusers.

When confined to the house, there were more opportunities for abusers to be violent against their victims.

‘‘We have already seen spikes in other countries of 30-60 per cent during lockdown periods,’’ Black said.

‘‘Isolation from wider family, friends and colleagues is a wellknown method abusers use to exercise control over victims. Increased isolation is essentially an ideal scenario for an abuser.’’

In the second half of last year, the Women’s Refuge received 914 calls through its crisis line. In the same period, 211 women and 66 children accessed the refuge’s services, but Black said a high percentage of domestic violence also went unreported.

She expected a noticeable increase in calls as the lockdown progressed.

The refuge will remain operational during alert level 4. Women in danger can still ring the crisis line on 0800REFUGE, send a message through the Women’s Refuge Facebook page or email info@refuge.rog.nz.

Friends, family and neighbours could also help to make women in vulnerable situations feel less isolated.

‘‘If you are concerned about somebody else, you can support them by keeping in touch with them,’’ Black said.

‘‘First and foremost be aware that during the lockdown period their conversations and activities may be monitored.’’

She suggested friends could set up regular times to talk, and agree on a code word together.

‘‘If they message you that word, you can call the police and ask them to check on them.’’

Black also suggested checking friends had everything they needed, such as food, medication and sanitary items, which an abusive partner could withhold.

On Thursday the Government announced it would give $27 million to social service providers like the Salvation Army and Women’s Refuge to help during the lockdown.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the money would allow the organisations to keep housing people, feeding people, and sheltering people from domestic violence.