There has been a suspected spike in domestic abuse during lockdown. Safe Spots charity stresses that women can still get help during this time and are taking donations in order to be able to continue providing help.
First published in The Northern Quota, 20 April 2020
Concerns have been raised about the potential rise of domestic violence cases during the coronavirus lockdown.
Wythenshawe-based domestic abuse charity, Safe Spots, is assuring victims that although their doors are closed, they are still available to help people through their services over the phone and online.
The Women and Equalities Committee has heard about an increased risk and severity of domestic abuse when there is a requirement to stay at home.
Sarah Judge, one of the founders of Safe Spots, said: “We need to highlight to women that women can still leave that relationship. That there is still support and services out there.
“We’re operating phone lines from 10am till 5pm Monday to Friday so women can access support through us that way or they can contact us on Facebook, Twitter and by email or through our website.
“Many cases are not reported to the police, according to the Office for National Statistics.
“One of the things we do to support women is if they do get out of a relationship and they need transport to get to a refuge space or if they can’t get to a refuge space that day because they left quite late then we’ll put them up in a hotel.
“We are asking for donations if possible. Every single penny we raise for anything like this will go directly to the women that need it.
“On either purchasing things or moving people or whatever it is they need. The help is still there, and we just encourage women to try to contact us as safely as they possibly can.”
Safe Spots crowdfunding page can be found on their website or on their Twitter page.
Women’s Aid patron, Dame Julie Walters, said: “Coronavirus is a crisis for domestic abuse services, with families spending almost all of their time at home, we have to act now to save lives.
“We know that women and children living with domestic abuse are living a real-life nightmare, being trapped with their abusers as they isolate.”
If you are suffering from domestic abuse and need help, Women’s Aid and Refuge can be reached on 0808 2000 247.
Aiysha Younas
First published in The Northern Quota, 20 April 2020
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