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Domestic abuse and Covid-19

Photo by Kat J on Unsplash

When most of us think of the risks from Covid-19, we think about catching the disease and ending up in hospital. This risk is real and serious, whether you are a young fit 20-something or older with underlying health conditions. For some people, there are further risks, both from the disease itself, and from the actions we take.

The UK government recently released advice specifically aimed at domestic abuse safe accommodation. Multiple families can live in the same accommodation, so it is important that staff at such accommodation take great care to avoid bringing the infection in. There is also a need to assess how isolation can occur if someone does show Covid-19 symptoms. It may be that only one family needs to isolate themselves, or the entire accommodation might need to be isolated.

Expected increase in incidents

The police have said that they expect a significant increase in domestic abuse cases. With families required to isolate, and with the UK now in lockdown, it is becoming increasingly difficult for victims of domestic abuse to avoid contact with their abusers. It is also likely that the increased contact, inability to escape the house and stress of the situation is likely to cause new cases of abuse where they would not have otherwise occurred. The Safe Lives charity have produced a Guide for Staying Safe During Covid-19. They reiterate their advice that if you think that someone or yourself are in immediate danger you must always dial 999 and ask for the police.

Baroness Beverley Hughes, Greater Manchester's deputy mayor for policing and crime, said " I think we are beginning to see a rise in domestic abuse incidents. We anticipated this might happen in the very stressful circumstances for many families." Avon and Somerset police have seen a rise from 718 to 868 reported domestic abuse incidents in the last two weeks.

Look out for your neighbours

Of course in these times we are grateful for the healthcare workers on the front line and many of us are watching out for elderly neighbours and relatives. But it's worth remembering that there are other vulnerable people being put at additional risk during the outbreak. Do look out for your neighbours and remember that one-third of domestic abuse sufferers are men.

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