Support is still there for domestic abuse victims
PEOPLE living with domestic abuse have been reminded that they can still access support services, despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Domestic abuse services in the borough of Rochdale are operating and can offer support with emergency accommodation, safety planning and accessing civil orders like injunctions.
The call comes as Refuge, the charity which runs the national domestic abuse helpline, reported a tenfold increase in visits to its website in recent weeks.
There are concerns that victims feel unable to get help due to restrictions in what people can do but anyone can ignore government guidelines in order to access support for domestic abuse.
Rochdale Borough Council says the start of lockdown in March saw a drop in domestic abuse referrals at some agencies in the borough.
A campaign has since been launched advertising the council’s services in supermarket queues, in pharmacies and on social media, resulting in a gradual increase in domestic abuse reports particularly to Victim Support, which supports victims who are at high risk of harm.
The borough’s major domestic abuse services have changed how they are working, still operating phone services and will offer outreach to anyone who needs it. Due to additional funding being secured locally, the refuge service has been able to increase its capacity and currently has vacancies.
Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said: “Our services have been incredible at adapting to ensure they are still providing a vital service.”