Women’s Aid fear increase in demand is just around corner

Fears that victims of domestic abuse won’t be able to seek help during the coronavirus lockdown have been raised by a women’s aid charity in South Lanarkshire.

Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire (WASLER) are concerned that no matter what they do, some women may not be able to seek help while the government’s restrictions remain in place. They are now planning for an increase in demand once the lockdown is lifted. Heather Williams is one of more than 30 people working for the charity which supports women and children who have previously experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. Although a number of face-to-face services have been reduced because of social distancing guidelines, Heather stressed the charity has not stopped providing refuge for women who need to escape an abusive partner. “We are still doing an element of faceto-face,” Heather confirmed. “Normally, we do a lot of face-to-face where we meet with women at home if it’s safe or at a community facility but we’ve had to stop that. We are using phone, email, text more. “We are still able to admit people to refuge if they need it. We have not put a stop on it.” WASLER, one of the biggest women’s aid charities in Scotland, are trying to be as accessible as possible, so that any woman who faces domestic abuse can contact them. Extended hours on a Wednesday mean key workers who may be busy at work during the day can speak to someone between 7.30pm and 9pm while an online chat facility is available on its website.

A controlling partner, however, may make it impossible for someone who needs help to get in touch.

Heather added: “At the moment we are trialling some things to see what works.

“By phone, if you can, is probably the best way to contact us. The number is 01355 249 897. “The other way is the website: wasl.org.uk “For some women, no matter what we put in place they won’t be able to contact us [during the lockdown].

“It is a massive thing to pick up that phone and ask for help.

“Some won’t be able to safely make contact until the lockdown is over because their phone or internet is being monitored or they are being monitored.”

Since the coronavirus restrictions were enforced in the UK, WASLER has continued to receive referrals from and work with the police, the NHS and social work.

However, Heather was also concerned that women who face domestic abuse may have “hunkered down” for the past couple of weeks to survive until the coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

With the decision to extend the lockdown last week, she expects some women may not be able to cope any longer and will try to seek help.

Heather explained that, while they weren’t quiet, the last few weeks have felt a bit like the build up to their busiest period in January.

She added: “It’s not quiet, but it’s not as busy as normal. People think we will be busy over Christmas but we tend to see things a little quieter.

“People hunker down over Christmas and think ‘if I can just make it through two weeks things will get better’. In January we tend to get really busy because that’s when they realise that’s not the case and the abuse continues.

“I think we will start to get busier now the government has extended the lockdown.

“For some, it will be a case of ‘I can’t do this anymore’.”

While restrictions remain in place to try and protect public health, Heather has offered some advice for domestic abuse victims about what to do if they are unable to contact WASLER.

“Keep in touch with whatever support networks you have and take care of yourself,” she said.

“If there is someone you can talk to, keep in touch with them and let them know that you are okay.

“Organise a safe word with them. They can then call the police or whatever you have agreed with them if you need to use it.”

After hearing concerns that people are avoiding using accident and emergency departments because they don’t want to take up doctor’s and nurse’s time during the crisis, Heather was concerned some women may feel the same about contacting the police.

However, she is clear. Doctors, nurses and the police want you to call them as soon as you need their help and not a moment later.

“If it is an emergency, you should call the police,” Heather said.

“There have been stories about people not using the NHS because of concerns with the virus. It’s business as usual as far as they – and the police – are concerned.”