Reopening could see more abuse deaths

DOMESTIC homicides could rise as coronavirus restrictions are eased, policing bodies have warned.

Some 163 domestic killings and 38 suspected suicides of abuse victims were reported in the year to March 31 – a slight annual rise. But the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing warned of an increased risk of deaths as some abusers’ control is taken away, and others regain access to their victims, due to society reopening.