Numbers reaching out for help have more than halved
An East Kilbride domestic abuse charity has warned applications to its refuges have more than halved – leading to fears that victims are too scared to get the help they need during the coronavirus lockdown.
It comes as a shocking new report by MPs revealed calls to a national domestic abuse helpline rose by 49 per cent and killings doubled weeks after lockdown.
The home affairs select committee report called for a government strategy on domestic abuse during the pandemic.
And Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire (WASLER), based in the town centre, echoed the concerns raised by Scottish Women’s Aid and other agencies about the impact lockdown is having on those who experience domestic abuse.
Heather Williams, Interim CEO said: “We are aware that this is a difficult time for everyone, but particularly so for those who do not feel safe at home due to the controlling, abusive, threatening and sometimes violent behaviour of partners and ex-partners. While the lockdown is not causing abusive behaviour, the inability for women to have time away or space away from their partners during this time will be exacerbating its impact.
“We want anyone who is experiencing abuse to know that we are still here and are able to help during lockdown and afterwards.”
She added: “However, we know that a large number of women who are living with abusive partners do
Isolated not feel that they are able to safely to make contact with us at this time. Our refuge requests for April have more than halved in comparison to this time last year and this tells us that some women just can’t safely make contact just now.
“As such we would urge family, friends and neighbours to look out for anyone they are worried about and contact the police if they have concerns or ourselves if they need some advice about how to help.”
Worryingly Police Scotland have also revealed requests under Police Scotland’s domestic abuse disclosure scheme have increased by 18 per cent since lockdown began.
Nearly 260 requests for disclosure were made between the start of lockdown on March 23 to April 27, 2020, compared to 219 in 2019.
A leading expert in criminology has also warned that stalking victims in Scotland could be at greater risk during lockdown, according to an expert on gender-based violence.
Dr Katy Proctor, lecturer in criminology and policing at Glasgow Caledonian University, said stalkers could target the homes of victims, track them remotely online, and are more likely to be “strengthened” by the COVID-19 measures.
The warning comes during National Stalking Awareness Week and this year the Suzy Lamplugh Trust is highlighting the urgent need to ensure that victims remain supported during lockdown. Dr Proctor said: “The response to COVID-19 does not stop stalkers or other abusers. Instead, it is more likely to strengthen them.
“Many would assume that a nationwide lockdown that restricts our movements would provide temporary respite to victims of stalking. Unfortunately, the complete opposite is true.
“We know that stalkers will use any means they can to communicate with their victims and we know that many engage in stalking through social media and other online forums.
“As COVID-19 has forced the whole world to live through laptops for work, socialising, entertainment, and shopping, the choice for victims becomes isolation or exposure.
“Neither option guarantees safety and neither option feels secure.”
WASLER have urged victims – if they are able – to please get in touch by calling 01355 249 897, by email at info@wasler.org.uk, using their online chat on their website or call the SDAFMH on 0800027 1234 which is open 24/7.
The majority of requests under domestic abuse disclosure scheme are being made by police officers and other professionals (including social work and NHS) raising a concern about someone they think may be at risk.
Police Scotland will then make a decision about whether to make a disclosure in the interests of safeguarding a person. Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Sloan, lead for Major Crime and Public Protection, Police Scotland, said:“Domestic abuse is an ongoing threat in our local communities and there remains an increased risk as people continue to observe isolation and physical distancing guidance.
“Police Scotland will not tolerate domestic abuse, tackling it and preventing it is a priority for us and that has not changed because of COVID-19. Domestic abuse is seldom a one-off. People who abuse are likely to do so again and again.
“Survivors of abuse tell us that isolation is a tactic perpetrators use to restrict their opportunities to seek help and support from friends and families, via websites or through social media. No-one should live in fear of abuse.”
In the 12 months to March 31, 2020, Police Scotland received 2648 requests for disclosure – a 66 per cent increase on the same period in 2018/19 (1596 applications).
During the same period, more than 1200 disclosures were made to people indicating that their partner had an abusive past.
This represents a 40 per cent increase on the same period the previous year (865 disclosures).
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland remains in operation, and people can readily access the scheme if they are concerned that their partner or the partner of someone they know may have an abusive past.