HOME SECRETARY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO HELP THOSE SUFFERING FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN
THE Home Secretary has kicked off a public awareness campaign to ensure those experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse know of the help on offer.
Priti Patel, in addition to announcing the campaign on Saturday, has also revealed talks are ongoing to provide charities and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner with an additional £2m to bolster domestic abuse helplines and online support.
The fresh injection of cash is aimed at ensuring victim support is available after charities reported a surge in activity since the social distancing guidelines came into force almost three weeks ago.
She said: “I’m launching a new national communications campaign to reach out to those who are at risk from abuse, highlighting that they can still leave home to get the support that you need.”
She said the service will signpost victims and is aimed at providing reassurance, and said it would be symbolised by a hand print logo embossed with a heart.
Chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Martin Hewitt reiterated the Home Secretary’s message that police officers will still arrest and investigate cases of domestic abuse and controlling behaviour during the lockdown.
Ms Patel added: “I want to emphasise that anybody who is a victim of these crimes can still get help. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999 and press 55 on a mobile if you are unable to talk.
“Our outstanding police will still be there for you.”
Ms Patel said during yesterday’s Government briefing that the virus was changing the nature of the threat the UK faces from crime.
She said that while total crime had dropped as people follow the advice to stay at home, criminals were adapting to exploit the virus.
The Home Secretary added: “Fraudsters are exploiting coronavirus as a hook for new
acquisitive crimes with losses to victims already exceeding
£1.8 million. The perpetrators of sickening online child abuse are seeking to exploit the fact that more and more young people and children are at home and online.
“And in the last week the National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120% increase in the number of calls it received in one 24-hour period.”
Mr Hewitt said there had been a 21% drop in overall crime in the past four weeks compared to the same period last year.
Police from 37 forces in England and Wales have issued 1,084 fines for breaches of coronavirus regulations as of Thursday, Mr Hewitt said.
Ms Patel said police will be “unafraid” to take action against those who fail to follow the Government’s social distancing measures: “The overwhelming majority of people are listening and making their own sacrifices to support our amazing police officers and staff.
“My message to anyone still refusing to do the right thing is clear: If you don’t play your part, our selfless police, who are out there risking their own lives to save others, will be unafraid to act.
“If you don’t follow the guidance, you will be endangering the lives of your friends, family and loved ones.”
The Government’s domestic abuse public awareness campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, will aim to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during the UK lockdown.
The Home Office is encouraging the public to show their solidarity and support for those who may be suffering by sharing a photo of a heart on their palm, while also asking others to do the same.
The campaign will publicise the support available, including the freephone, 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline number - 0808 2000 247 - run by Refuge, and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.