Domestic abuse charity braced for surge in calls

Support groups fear for safety of at-risk women stuck at home during lockdown

Women’s rights campaigners across Tayside are preparing themselves for a surge in domestic abuse calls as fears are raised about coronavirus restrictions.

Scottish Women’s Aid said the nation “must not lose sight” of the specific challenges for children and women experiencing domestic abuse in the midst of the pandemic.

The organisation has stressed that local groups are being supported to continue to provide services to the best of their ability, including providing their service over the phone, online, by text or by email.

It came as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced £1.5 million will be given to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland to ensure access to these services during the pandemic.

She said: “The key message is people who are suffering domestic abuse do not have to wait to seek help.”

Meanwhile, Police Scotland has said it is taking “proactive” steps to deal with domestic abuse and is engaging with ministers, charities and voluntary organisations to monitor the impacts.

Anne Robertson-Brown, executive director of Angus Women’s Aid, said there are already signs that women are struggling to get in touch with the support they need due to being at home in coercive relationships.

She said: “Women are finding it far more difficult to call and that includes women who may be receiving support already.

“It is too early in lockdown to say what this will look like. We are concerned about what may be happening. Children are also forced to live in these situations.”

But Angus Women’s Aid, based in Arbroath, is continuing to provide services to women across the region, mainly by telephone and remotely.

Ms Robertson-Brown said: “We’ve got to look at the safety of staff. The key message is we’re still here and services are still running.”

Ms Sturgeon said there was a need to keep a “very close eye” on domestic abuse.

“We’ve got to look at the safety of staff. The key message is we’re still here and services are still running. ANNE ROBERTSONBROWN OF ANGUS WOMEN’S AID

When asked if police should be proactive in visiting homes of those they have been to in the last 18 months, she said: “The police have already said this is something they’re very conscious of and will be very vigilant around.

“We will continue to look at the resources and funding that frontline organisations have and if we think there’s a case for increasing that, we will not hesitate to do that.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Samantha McCluskey, of Police Scotland’s Specialist Crime Division, said tackling domestic abuse remains a “priority” for officers.

She said: “While it may be too early to assess the impact of coronavirus on incidents of domestic abuse, I can reassure the public that officers are continuing to work hard to prevent harm by identifying people who may be at risk.”

The Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, has confirmed domestic abuse cases will continue to be prosecuted vigorously and fairly during the coronavirus pandemic.