The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted the lives of many during 2020, however the introduction of lockdown measures led many people to be trapped in unsafe homes during the pandemic. The UN has described the increased rates of domestic abuse as a ‘shadow pandemic’, highlighting the importance of spreading further awareness of domestic violence, in normal everyday life and during the impact of lockdown measures. Research shows, domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men within their lifetime.
Research by Crime stoppers UK reported a 49% increase of domestic violence rates in April 2020, when compared to April of 2019. Alongside a 70% increase of reported domestic abuse. A Plymouth County Council domestic abuse call handler (who wishes to remain unnamed) was due to be made redundant before lockdown but was then kept on as the number of cases increased significantly.
With restrictions being eased in July, victims were able to escape abusive environments after months of entrapment. However, as areas of the UK go into Tier 3, domestic abuse cases are inevitably due to rise. The government has stated that those who are in abusive households are able to break COVID restrictions in order to reach safety, alongside putting an extra £10 million towards domestic abuse charities.
Throughout lockdown, numerous social media campaigns were launched in order for victims to reach out for help discreetly. Victims were able to ‘order’ certain products signifying a different level of danger to the business owner.
Instagram user @by. layx has begun using her platform to share stories of abused victims in order to spread awareness of domestic abuse. A video called ‘My sister was killed by her boyfriend’, went viral at the beginning of October. The heart wrenching seven-minute video highlights the impact of domestic violence. As well as sharing stories, Lejla shares signs of domestic abuse, statistics, helplines, and organisations to help encourage victims to reach out for help.
A key question is why do victims stay in these unsafe households? Victims of domestic abuse often live in fear of their abuser and their ability to control others in their lives. Leading victims fearful of what may happen to their children, family or friends if they call out their abuser. The abused may be unaware of the abuse as it comes in many forms, emotional, physical, financial and gaslighting. Mental abuse is as impactful as physical abuse. It can take up to 35 assaults before the average abused victim reports or speaks up (Crime stopper UK). However, the pandemic forced victims to stay in these toxic environments.
If you are being abused, know of someone being abused, encourage them to reach out to helplines, friends, family members. There are ways to seek help safely and discreetly. The ‘shadow pandemic’ must be stopped. With help and awareness, lives can be saved. It is important for victims to know that they are not alone and there is help out there.
If you are a victim of abuse or know of someone being abused, please do not hesitate to reach out to these charities:
Refuge Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline : 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Women’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-resource-hub-support-resources/
Your Sanctuary : 01483 776822
https://www.yoursanctuary.org.uk/
PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH
