Number of women fleeing domestic abuse soars during lockdown

THE number of Fife women and children fleeing domestic abuse has soared during lockdown, stark new figures have shown.

Support agencies are dealing with a huge increase in referrals during a time of heightened risk for victims.

Women’s safety has been in the spotlight over the last week in light of Sarah Everard’s death in London.

Much of the discussions have centred on violence and harassment from strangers in public.

But the latest Fife figures have thrown into sharp focus the dangers faced by hundreds of women in their own homes.

Fife Women’s Aid has seen its waiting list rise by 77% during the pandemic.

And the number of children and young people receiving its services has more than doubled.

All agencies in the region are dealing with similar numbers, with Shakti Women’s Aid – which helps black minority ethnic women and children – reporting a 75% rise in referrals.

Meanwhile, more than a quarter of Fife Council’s housing referrals were due to relationship breakdowns, violence and abuse.

The figures relate to the three months between October and December compared to the same period in 2019.

Covid-19 restrictions have “significantly impacted” women and children who already live with domestic abuse.

Sheila Noble, from the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership, said lockdown had created “an environment where risks are heightened”.

“There are increased risks associated with controlling, coercive and abusive behaviour in lockdown, both in terms of opportunity to abuse and access to support,” she said.

The restrictions mean partners are forced to spend more time together, particularly if they are self-isolating.

Many women report feeling trapped.

Services were under pressure even before lockdown.

In September, the Scottish Government produced new guidance to deal with the increased risk and services are working together to respond to the need, but while crisis support is still available, some women are struggling without face-to-face support.

Ms Noble said many found it difficult to talk to services online from their homes with their abuser nearby. However, the key message is help is there for anyone who needs it.