Older constituents, people who have underlying health conditions, or are considered vulnerable, are being asked to stay inside for the foreseeable future. For some people being at home, with limited contact with the outside world, can increase their risk of experiencing abuse or neglect. Calls to domestic abuse helplines have risen 25% since the Government asked everyone to stay at home.
The Home Secretary has outlined extra support to protect the victims of domestic abuse during this national emergency, so they have a safe place to go if they can’t stay at home.
- While the guidelines are helping to keep the majority of us safe, staying at home can leave some people more vulnerable to domestic abuse, and there has been a concerning increase in people seeking help for this hidden crime.
- That’s why the Home Secretary has launched a campaign to tell victims that they can leave home to get the support they need and is providing up to £2 million to enhance online support services and helplines for domestic abuse, so that anybody who needs it can access that help and support. The campaign is trending under the #YouAreNotAlone hashtag.
- The Government is also looking at alternative accommodation to support the work of refuges, so that the victims of domestic abuse who can’t stay at home will have a safe place to go.
Important facts to know if you or anyone you know are facing domestic abuse whilst in lock-down:
- You can leave your home to seek help.
- If you cannot leave your home ring 999. If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot talk, after calling 999, press 55. This way the emergency team can help you without you having to talk.
You can also use the following contacts to report, deal with, and get advice regarding domestic violence:
- Age UK Advice Line (8am –7pm 7 days a week) 0800 678 1174
- Your GP or other NHS health providers
- Hourglass helpline: 0808 808 8141
- 24hr free National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- 24hr Aanchal helpline 0845 4512 547 – If English isn’t your first language
- Women’s Aid and the Survivor’s Handbook
- Mankind Helpline 01823 334244 – for men
- Paladin NSAS (Paladin-National Stalking Advocacy Service) 0207 840 8960
Help around stalking and the disclosure scheme for Clare’s Law - Broken Rainbow Helpline 0300 999 5428 LGBT helpline
- NHS Choices help for domestic violence
The Portal is a partnership of leading Sussex Domestic and Sexual abuse and violence, helping them to find the right help, advice and support.
The Portal can also give advice and support to friends, families and professionals.
Telephone: Freephone 0300 323 9985
Email: info@theportal.org.uk
Website: The Portal
