Visits To Domestic Abuse Sites Have Now Risen By 950% Since Lockdown

Domestic abuse charity Refuge has reported a further spike in calls to their helpline and website during lockdown. Figures now show a 66% rise in weekly calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and a 950% increase in visits to their website compared to pre Covid-19.

Reporting an increase in calls in April, Refuge noted a 50% rise in demand for its helpline and 300% spike in website visits. With calls and visits increasing further to 66% and 950% respectively, Refuge has warned the spike shows the ‘sheer number of women affected’ given how rare it is for women to actually reach out for help when experiencing domestic abuse.

‘The window for women experiencing domestic abuse to reach out for help is ordinarily very limited, with this window narrowing further when isolating with an abusive partner,’ their website reads.

Earlier this month, the government pledged to spend £76m to support people suffering from domestic abuse and modern slavery during lockdown. Spread across services that help victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, modern slavery and vulnerable children in England and Wales, the funding package was also pledged towards providing safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

‘While lockdown itself does not cause domestic abuse, it can aggravate pre-existing behaviours in abusive partners,’ Sandra Horley, CBE, Chief Executive of Refuge said in a press release. ‘Women up and down the country are isolated with abusive partners - and children will be witnessing and in some cases experiencing domestic abuse. This is a terrifying ordeal and Refuge wants women to know they are not alone.

‘Right now women’s lives depend on them being able to access the specialist services Refuge provides, and now, more than ever, we must continue to provide the confidential support needed. Women are not alone, Refuge is there and support is available,’ Horley added.

If you are suffering from domestic abuse and need help, please call Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or visit their helpline website here.

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