‘We’ve seen homicides’: Domestic abuse will soar in lockdown three as perpetrators ‘further isolate and harm’ victims, commissioner warns

Constraints on public services creating a ‘perfect storm’ for abuse victims

Charities fear some victims won’t survive this next phase of national measures

Domestic abuse will soar during the third national lockdown as violent partners “further isolate and harm” their victims – but support groups have not been given any further help, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner has warned.

Boris Johnson raised the plight of domestic abuse victims during his address to the nation on Monday as he noted people trapped at home with abusers were free to leave the house during the new lockdown.

Commissioner Nicole Jacobs told The Independent that lockdowns in spring and November had led to a surge in victims seeking help as "stay at home" rules created a “perfect storm” for perpetrators to ramp up their abuse.

The government allocated emergency funding to domestic abuse charities after the Covid crisis hit but many refuges have already run out of money as demand soared in the wake of the pandemic.

Shelters for women escaping abusive partners told The Independent the new year lockdown will be a “very distressing time” for the many thousands of women and children cooped up at home with abusive partners as they raised grave concerns some victims may not survive it. 

A report released by MPs at the end of April revealed domestic abuse killings in the first 21 days of the first lockdown were double the total of an average period in the past decade.

Ms Jacobs, whose role as domestic abuse commissioner was created by the government last year, noted “very large numbers” of both victims and third parties who were anxious that someone they knew might be suffering abuse sought help from services in the previous national lockdowns.

She added: "I’m extremely concerned about the current lockdown. We have heard stories and we have seen homicides. Services are heading into this lockdown with their eyes wide open. 

"Abusers use lockdown to further isolate and further harm victims. The constraints of lockdown, worries about finances and then constraints on public services create a perfect storm for victims and make their options extremely limited.

“Studies have shown abusers have used lockdown rules so victims can’t go anywhere – perpetrators have lied and said they have symptoms so they can stay at home with their victim. I am really pleased it was part of Boris Johnson’s statement.”

She noted that emergency government funding for domestic abuse services in the wake of the public health crisis only constitutes a “short-term solution” – adding there is a “postcode lottery” of services available.

Ms Jacobs called for the government to extend funding past March, which is the deadline domestic abuse charities have to use their emergency money by.

“People working in the domestic abuse sector will be wondering about funding for their job past March,” she added. “Domestic abuse and sexual violence charities are relatively small and very, very stretched. I’m calling to make sure their staff are included as key workers and get the vaccination.”

Charlotte Kneer, chief executive of Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid refuge in Surrey, told The Independent they had spent “every penny” of emergency government funding to create a new refuge, as she called for ministers to invest in services which have been chronically underfunded since austerity measures.

Ms Kneer, a domestic abuse survivor whose violent partner was jailed for seven years in 2011, added: “The government gave services a short-term grant which had to be spent by October but then they prolonged this to the end of March. But services had to apply for an extension.

“I am stunned there is no real attempt to provide long-term funding. I am worried some women may not survive this lockdown.”

Ms Kneer, whose refuges help women at risk of being murdered by their partner if they stay in their home, said she used £113,000 provided by the government to build a new refuge in Surrey but they were now hunting for other sources of funding to create spaces for more women and children at the new shelter.

Domestic violence has soared during the public health emergency – in May, it emerged calls to the UK’s national domestic abuse helpline had risen by 66 per cent and visits to its website soared by 950 per cent since the country locked down.

Lisa King, of Refuge, which runs the phone line and is the UK’s largest provider of shelters for domestic abuse victims, said lockdown will be a highly troubling time for the many thousands of “abused women and children”.

She added: “While we know that lockdown doesn’t cause domestic abuse it can aggravate pre-existing abusive behaviours, and abusive partners often use isolation as a form of control to heighten their abuse. Refuge wants to send a very strong message – support is available, we are here for you.”

Lucy Hadley, of Women's Aid, a leading domestic abuse charity, called the third national lockdown a “chilling time” for their “life-saving” services.

She added: “In 2020 over three-quarters of survivors … living with an abuser said they felt they could not leave or get away because of the pandemic.

“Funding remains our number one concern. Our research shows that, in spite of short-term crisis funding provided in 2020, less than half of domestic abuse services responding to our survey had experienced an overall increase in income during the pandemic. Many of our member services have no financial certainty for the next financial year.”

The warning comes as the Domestic Abuse Bill has its second reading in the House of Lords on Tuesday. While leading charities in the sector are relieved the landmark legislation is finally being rolled out after years of delays, its journey through the House of Lords signals the last opportunity to make key amendments.

Ms Jacobs called for the bill to be overhauled to address the “huge gaps” for migrants who have suffered domestic abuse, as well as LGBT+ and disabled survivors.

Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via their website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/