Calls to domestic abuse helpline surge by over 100 per cent in single day

Refuge says it has seen a 25 per cent increase in calls overall since lockdown began

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Calls to a domestic abuse helpline surged by over 100 per cent in a single day, a charity has revealed, highlighting the danger faced by victims of abuse during the coronavirus lockdown.

Refuge said calls and contacts to its national domestic abuse helpline on 6 April were up 120 per cent on the previous day.

“On Monday, Refuge released the first set of statistics which indicated an average increase in calls and contacts to its National Domestic Abuse Helpline of 25 per cent since the UK entered lockdown measures”, Sandra Horley CBE, Refuge chief executive said.

“After significant media coverage directing women to Refuge’s Helpline, our statistics show that the number of calls we logged increased by 120 per cent.”

While the dramatic increase shows that more women are asking for support during lockdown, it is important to recognise that the lockdown itself is not a cause of domestic abuse, Refuge said.

The charity added that the true number of women seeking help is likely much higher, with many in self-isolation finding it difficult to call for help during self-isolation.

Earlier this week, journalist and broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire presented BBC News with Refuge's phone number written on her hand.

Two women per week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales, Refuge said, and called on the public to remember that abuse occurs all year round – not just during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Natasha Saunders, a domestic abuse survivor who has waived her right to anonymity, said: “Living with my ex was like being inside a prison."

Ms Saunders, whose ex has since been convicted, said she understands the fear many women may be experiencing during self-isolation.

She added: “Home was not a safe place for me – and it’s not a safe place for thousands of women living with abusive partners.

“I understand the panic, fear and claustrophobia these women must be feeling at the moment, but help and support is out there.

“With the support of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, I was able to leave my ex-husband and start a new life with my family.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labour’s new shadow home secretary, has called on the government to provide an emergency funding package to help domestic abuse services during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Thomas-Symonds, who was appointed to the shadow cabinet on Sunday following Sir Kier Starmer’s leadership victory, said he had written to his Conservative counterpart Priti Patel asking for funds to be released.

“I am writing to ask you to work with colleagues across government to urgently bring forward a package of emergency bespoke financial support for the organisations who are doing vital frontline work to ensure that they can provide a crucial safety net to some of the most at-risk women, children and communities throughout this crisis,” the letter reads.

“I would also be happy to discuss how your department, and those across government, can ensure that this additional investment is made available as soon as possible and also in ensuring that organisations operating on the frontline are given the necessary financial flexibility.

The letter adds: “In order to ensure that they can make best use of the available funds it is important they are not unduly burdened by reporting restrictions, whilst of course ensuring we make best use of taxpayers’ money.”

Last month, a letter signed by more than 30 civil society organisations and lawyers called on the government to provide extra financial support for charities that are already struggling to raise funds during the Covid-19 crisis.

Isabella Mulholland, a domestic violence caseworker at the Public Interest Law Centre, said: “We are concerned about the disproportionate impact that lockdown measures are having on women at risk of domestic violence.

“It is unacceptable for the government to simply point to a general fund which has been allocated to all those in need.”

She added: “Instead, it must secure specific funding for survivors to ensure they are able to access specialist services and safe and suitable accommodation.”

If you need support, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, any time of day on 0808 2000 247.

Refuge has a full team working round the clock to ensure as many women as possible who need support are able to access it.

You can follow this link and organise a safe time in which a member of the team can get in touch.