New lockdown will be more difficult for the victims of domestic abuse
The new period of lockdown will be more difficult for women and children in situations of domestic abuse who have been “worn down” by the increased pressures of lock down since March, Scottish Women’ s Aid has warned.
Chief Executive Marsha Scott stressed that the new restrictions do not apply to those experiencing abuse, who are free to travel or seek support.
“In the first lockdown we heard stories from all over the country that perpetrators of abuse were using lockdown to exert even more control over women and children, telling them they couldn’t leave, or if they didn’t live together then through child contact arrange
ments,” she said. “So it’s really, really important that everyone understands that if you’re a child or a woman living with domestic abuse, lockdown doesn’t keep you in that abusive situation.
“You are free to leave, to seek support, to get help in whatever way makes sense and is safe for you.”
Ms Scott added that while the new lockdown will be “harder” for many, there are some positives compared to March, as charities like Scottish Women’s Aid already have the infrastructure in place to support people remotely, and many women and children have developed their own coping mechanisms.
It has been reported that lockdown increases risk of abuse, with support services such as Women’s Aid seeing a rise in demand for services.ms Scott said some people’s circumstances have not changed since the first lock down, as most activities outside the home have remained sus - pended.
“They’re worn down, everybody’s worn down by this.”