‘Keep your eyes and ears open for signs of domestic abuse among neighbours’

NEIGHBOURS are being urged to look out for each other and spot signs of domestic abuse such as bruises, regular shouting and signs of controlling behaviour during the national lockdown.

Simon Blackburn, chairman of the Local Government Authority’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, echoed the calls of charities and MPS concerned about how abusive partners will weaponise the need for households to isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Blackburn said: “Tackling domestic abuse is an issue that councils take extremely seriously. We are all too aware that vulnerable people may be affected due to the impact of the coronavirus response. Councils cannot tackle this despicable ‘hidden’ crime alone.

“Look out for neighbours you either see or hear showing any signs of domestic abuse – physical or behavioural. This could include bruises, regular shouting, arguments or signs of controlling behaviour.”

He added: “There also needs to be continued support for specialist domestic abuse services and for the national domestic abuse helpline, with help to expand online access.”

His call came as Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, told the Mail on Sunday she was “acutely aware” that home was not a “safe haven” for everyone: “My message to every potential victim is simple: we have not forgotten you and we will not let you down. And my message to every perpetrator is equally simple: you will not get away with your crimes.”

People in immediate danger are urged to call 999 and ask for the police.

Those not in immediate danger are advised to contact the 24-hour confidential National Domestic Abuse helpline or access other online support services.

Refuge, the national domestic abuse charity, estimates about 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse last year, and warned that “self-isolation has the potential to aggravate preexisting abusive behaviours”.

Sandra Horley CBE, chief executive of Refuge, said: “We are concerned about the potential for incidents of domestic abuse to increase during periods of lockdown. We know that, ordinarily, the window of opportunity for women with abusive partners to make a call and seek help is often very limited. Now, it is likely that window has become even smaller.”

Dozens of women’s rights organisations and MPS have already written to hotel chains asking them to offer rooms to women trapped with abusers.