Protection orders drop in lockdown
Domestic violence calls have remained steady in Marlborough throughout lockdown, but services are preparing for ‘‘intense need’’ as restrictions ease.
Marlborough Women’s Refuge and sexual violence support centre manager Rachel Black said there had been a 50 per cent drop in protection order applications since New Zealand entered its level 4 lockdown last month.
‘‘We think that’s probably about women being unable to contact us if they’re in lockdown, if they’re in lockdown with abusive partners and probably being constantly monitored and restricted access to phone and internet,’’ she said.
Black said that at the beginning of the lockdown there had been ‘‘a flurry of activity’’ as people reached out to services for necessities. Since then there had been a slight increase in calls relating to information and advice, but it was comparable to weeks out of lockdown.
While some women had been able to move to safe accommodation during level four, there had been a significant drop in protection orders, Black said. ‘‘This is worrying and may indicate . . . a slow boil is occurring which can ultimately lead to more severe incidents.’’
Black said they were preparing for a rise in demand for services as lockdown restrictions were lifted.
‘‘It is impossible to predict the scale of any potential increase, particularly when women can once again have better access to their support networks. But if other countries are any indication, we are preparing for an intense need in the coming weeks,’’ she said.
Last month the Government announced $27 million in lockdown funding for to social service providers such as the Salvation Army and
Women’s Refuge. This funding had gone towards housing women who were unsafe and providing necessities such as food, clothing and health care.
Black said more funding may be needed depending on how long women spend in levels three and four.
‘‘[In level 3] people will be staying in their bubbles... for women and children, potentially it’s not going to be that different.
‘‘If that continues, we may very well need more funding.’’
Black wanted to remind vulnerable women, lockdown restrictions did not prevent them leaving their bubbles if they felt unsafe.
Women could ring Women’s Refuge Marlborough on 03 577 9939, or the crisis line on 0800REFUGE. They could also send a message through the Women’s Refuge Facebook page or email info@refuge.org.nz.