Two expected in court after incident
Two people were expected to appear in court yesterday in connection with an alleged assault in Perth at the weekend.
A 23-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested and charged in connection with the incident, which saw a 30-year-old man taken to Ninewells to be treated for injuries.
The alleged incident took place shortly before 3pm on Commercial Street in the Bridgend area of the city.
Residents reported a heavy police presence and a part of Commercial Street was shut off for a time.
Perthshire Women’s Aid (PWA) has had more than one referral per day for the first two weeks of May, as the pressure of lockdown takes its toll.
Service manager Meg told the Perthshire Advertiser there had been 17 referrals to the women’s service since the beginning of the month up until last Friday.
A further 16 referrals were taken by the charity based in Perth between April 20 and May 1.
She told the PA: “The greatest volume are self-referrals and the issues which are causing concern are child contact issues, isolation, emotional support, housing, refuge, and struggles with mental health.”
The office of Perthshire Women’s Aid at Merlin House, Necessity Brae, had to close with the coronavirus social distancing restrictions at the end of March.
The service continues, but with clients being supported by phone or online. Everyone who has sought help from PWA has a check-in at least once a week.
Meg explained that help was coming through the Scottish Government to enable organisations like PWA to help women trapped in abusive situations: “We received funding from the Scottish Government to help us at this time.
“We can use it to purchase things like Kindles, activity packs for young people, jigsaws or anything that helps our clients to cope with the current situation.
“For example, one woman was stressed about the condition of her garden but did not have tools.
“We purchased a lawn mower and that has made such a difference to her well-being. Being able to work in the garden has been a big boost.”
Restrictions on movement undoubtedly has caused heightened tensions in already difficult homes. “We are hearing about the stress of all being in the house together, trying to home school when you have children who are all different ages and they are living under stressful conditions,” explained Meg. “Mums are feeling low and anxious over the current pandemic and dealing with this and other uncertainties.
“Add to this practical situations like going for shopping when there is a limited bus service and you have noone to look after your children so you have to take them with you. “Another side of lockdown living is children missing the structure and safety of going to school, clubs and activities with their peers.”
Meg wanted to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on the whole family.
“Children won’t be going to school which was likely to be their safe space.
“So much stress is on mothers to continue to protect their children and to try and minimise the impact of domestic abuse,” explained Meg.
“If there is good news amongst all the bad, it is that the statutory and voluntary agencies are doing a good job working in partnership to support vulnerable families, and services and information have come together quickly to respond to the current pandemic.
“It has shown in a crisis that everyone can come together with one goal - the safety of women and children.
“We should also highlight the value of community assistance.
“We’d encourage people to check in with friends and family members that they have not heard from recently.
“This simple act will make a difference to women that feel like they have no one and nowhere to turn to.”
Perthshire Women’s Aid wants to ensure people in Perth and Kinross know that there is support, particularly during this very difficult time.
• Perthshire Women’s Aid offers support and refuge accommodation to women experiencing domestic abuse, regardless of sexual orientation, age, social class, ethnicity or religion.
The number to call is 01738 639043, the line is open 10am-2pm weekdays.
At other times, if you are in danger call 999 or the national 24-hour domestic abuse line on 0800 027 1234.