Domestic abuse is happening behind a closed door near you
THE coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown haven’t caused domestic abuse, but there’s plenty of evidence to show that being stuck behind closed doors with an abuser, 24 hours a day, has made things worse and increased the risk for many people.
During the lockdown, between March and May, there were fewer calls to the Welsh Government’s Live Fear Free helpline than in the same months last year.
This is worrying, because it suggests people who have been victims of domestic violence and abuse – and are at risk of violence and abuse – have been struggling to seek help while their every move was being closely watched by their abuser.
However, other domestic abuse helplines have reported receiving more calls than usual from people worried they’ve heard abuse happening behind closed doors.
Neighbours have heard shouting and noise from inside homes during lockdown and called police or helplines. They are acting as the eyes and ears for child and adult victims of abuse in their communities. They are helping to save lives.
Now, as lockdown eases and victims
have more freedom to seek support, domestic abuse services and helplines are preparing for an increase in reports of abuse.
As children go back to school, they might tell their teachers about the domestic abuse they’ve experienced or witnessed during lockdown, or school staff might recognise signs of abuse.
As people return to work, they might tell colleagues and friends about the abuse they’ve suffered. And as abusers sense they are losing control over their victims, the abuse might get worse.
Already, calls to helplines are lasting longer, and the abuse reported is more severe.
The Welsh Government recently announced an additional £1.5m to help specialist services in Wales support victims and survivors of domestic abuse as communities come out of lockdown.
The Live Fear Free helpline is available 24/7 for free support and advice about your options. Silent support is available via live web-chat, text and email if you can’t speak. Friends, family and colleagues can call for support if they’re worried about someone.
Home shouldn’t be a place of fear. You don’t need to suffer in silence. Victims and survivors are not alone – help is available.
■ The Live Fear Free helpline is a free 24/7 service for all victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence and those close to them, including family, friends and colleagues. It will remain open and offering a full service throughout the coronavirus emergency.
Helpline: 0808 8010 800
Text: 078600 77333
Live chat: gov.wales/live-fear-free/ contact-live-fear-free
■ Silent support is available via text, web-chat and email, if victims aren’t able to speak.