Domestic abuse risk on rise during crisis, warn charities

ISOLATION and financial pressures as a result of lockdown are putting adults and children at risk of domestic abuse, doctors and charities have warned.

Prof Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said lockdown “exacerbates the risk” victims of domestic abuse face on a daily basis, with the most serious cases having “tragic consequences”.

Prof Marshall is one of many doctors and charities who have signed a letter urging Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, to support health professionals in spotting victims attempting to disclose abuse amid the pandemic.

Representatives from seven Royal Colleges and the British Medical Association have signed the letter, compiled by the charity SafeLives, which argues crucial opportunities to provide support to victims are being missed because of a lack of training.

It comes prior to the meeting of the public bill committee on June 4 for the Domestic Abuse Bill, the long-awaited legislation going through Parliament.

Prof Marshall said: “The lockdown situation can be challenging for anybody, but for those suffering domestic abuse, including vulnerable children, lockdown conditions can be dangerous as the intensity of the situation, whether the associated isolation or increased financial pressures, exacerbates the risk they face.

“It’s vital that people suffering domestic abuse understand that they do not need to adhere to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions if doing so is putting them at risk.

“Domestic abuse can have a significant impact on someone’s physical and mental health and, in the most serious cases, can have tragic consequences, so GPs are concerned about safeguarding issues involving both adults and children at the moment.”

The letter asks for a “commitment” from the Department of Health and Social Care for “increased provision and investment to prevent abuse”.

It adds that the situation will only become “more urgent” as the “pandemic is increasing the number of victims and perpetrators seeking support”.

“It is essential that health professionals are given adequate support to properly spot the signs and deal with the impact of domestic abuse,” it says.