Bid for more cash to help victims of domestic abuse as cases soar by 80%

VICTIMS of abusive relationships need help now more than ever as cases peak during the latest lockdown with calls to helplines soaring by 80 per cent, a commissioner said.

Nicole Jacobs insists the Domestic Abuse Bill will only be considered a true landmark by supporting community services to protect victims.

Such stark figures paint a devastating picture of the knock-on effect of the pandemic, with a 91 per cent rise in people turning to online support and a 58 per cent rise in demand for refuge services.

Ms Jacobs, the Domestic Commissioner for England and Wales, praised the Duchess of Cornwall for shining the a light on those suffering.

And she called on lawmakers to protect victims by pledging financial support last night as the Bill was considered at the Committee Stage in the House of Lords.

She said: “What would make the Bill a landmark is a provision to fund all services, including community services.

“The funding is so piecemeal. They must consider how the community-based services can have the same priority as the refuge service – as 70 per cent of people go to community-based services. We have had an opportunity to learn great lessons from Covid.

“People struggled through the holidays and the calls to helplines has been up by 80 per cent.

“The helpline and website contacts are more than 60 per cent higher.”

But Ms Jacobs said it was a significant moment for the Bill, adding: “The Lords stage was so important.

“One of the only silver linings in lockdown was there was time to talk to peers and the Government about the amendments. Covid has been a real eye-opener. It’s raised awareness about the difficulties people face.

“We have wanted this Lords stage to start and there’s a timetable that kicks in. We are now on the end game.”

Migrant women have so far slipped through the net with the new legislation but Ms Jacobs says she is pushing for their inclusion as one of a series of amendments that could strengthen the Bill.

She thanked the Duchess of Cornwall for her support, saying: “She really takes seriously her role highlighting this issue. We have heard her talking about people isolated at home. She thinks and feels about the implications for them. Her leadership is so influential.” ●●The National Domestic Abuse Helpline England is on 0808 2000 247 and Live Fear Free inWales 0808 80 10 800 24 hours a day.

Support...Nicole Jacobs and the Duchess of Cornwall