Coronavirus: Calls to domestic abuse helpline up 25% during UK lockdown

Police and charities appeal for victims to continue seeking help during outbreak

Calls to the UK’s national domestic abuse helpline have rocketed during the coronavirus lockdown, amid warnings that isolation could increase violence.

The number of calls rose by 25 per cent in the five days from 30 March, while visits to the helpline’s website were up by 150 per cent on the last week in February.

The Refuge charity, which runs the helpline, said self-isolation “has the potential to aggravate pre-existing abusive behaviours”.

“While in lockdown or self-isolation, women and children are likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators, potentially escalating the threat of domestic abuse and further restricting their freedom,” said chief executive Sandra Horley.

”Domestic abuse isn't always physical – it's a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, which can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual.

“Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes, and isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a tool of control.”

If the UK follows trends seen in countries with more advanced coronavirus outbreaks, it will see a significant rise in domestic abuse, but some police forces have seen a fall in calls amid concerns that victims cannot use the phone while isolating with their partners.

In an interview with The Independent, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales warned that victims may not be aware they can legally leave their homes during the lockdown.

Dame Vera Baird called for the government to raise awareness of the law, which lists avoiding injury and “escaping risk of harm” as legitimate reasons to leave home.

“If people are urgently in need of getting out, they must not be afraid to because of the law,” she added.

On Saturday, the national police lead for domestic abuse urged people to continue seeking support and reporting incidents.

Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: “It is important to recognise that for some people home is not a safe place.

“For those already living with domestic abuse these restrictions will have left them fearful of being even further isolated and left at home with their abuser. They may feel like there is nowhere to go for help and are now unable to meet the family and friends who act as a support network.

“It’s really important people know there is still support and help available.”

Ms Rolfe said police could still respond to 999 calls and that people unable to speak can press 55 to ensure a call is treated as an emergency.

Social distancing rules have stopped most face-to-face support but Refuge, Women’s Aid and other groups are using live chat services and phone helplines as an alternative.

Merseyside Police has repeated advice for victims of domestic abuse after a woman was stabbed in the face.

The 44-year-old victim was taken to hospital with two facial injuries, while a 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding following the incident in Rainhill on Saturday night.

Two children are being looked after by family members following the incident, police said.

Anyone who is worried about a loved one, or about isolating with a perpetrator, can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or online.

The Respect phoneline is an anonymous and confidential helpline for men and women who are worried they may harm their partners and families. It can be contacted on 0808 8024040 or online.

The government website has a list of support and help available for those facing domestic abuse during the coronavirus outbreak.