As Lockdown starts to ease here in the UK we all find ourselves in the past 4 months. The past four months for some have been filled with family time, learning a new hobby, starting a side hustle but for others, the reality is that lockdown has been a time of fright and hardship.
Early on into Lockdown, it’s no surprise that domestic rates within the UK skyrocketed. It has been reported that cases of domestic abuse have increased by 20% during the lockdown, as many people are trapped at home with their abuser. Even calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline rose by 49%.
Unfortunately, Lockdown has meant that victims and people experiencing domestic abuse are trapped inside with the person who may be abusing them, isolated from family, friends and loved ones and unable to access resources they usually would be able to.
1 in 3women in the world experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization, making it “the most widespread but among the least reported human rights abuses.” While men experience domestic violence too, women make up the majority of victims, with LGBTQ individuals also facing elevated rates of domestic violence. But during times of crisis—such as natural disasters, wars, and epidemics—the risk of gender-based-violence is on the rise. In China, the volume of domestic violence cases reported to the local police tripled in February compared to the previous year, according to Axios. Local activists say this is a result of enforced lockdown.
Ray Jones talking to Time Magazine on the subject stated: “Right now, we are all feeling a lack of control over our lives and an individual who cannot manage that will take it out on their victim.” She says that while the number of abuse cases may not rise during the coronavirus crisis, people who were already in an abusive situation will likely find themselves facing more extreme violence, and can no longer escape by going to work or seeing friends.”
With hospitals and care centres focusing their attention onto Covid-19, the already crowded and underfunded medical institutes that would one hold meetings, drop-ins and advice clinics are now either closed or overloaded making it even harder for victims to get the care needed.
Many victims also feel that they can no longer seek refuge at their parents’ home, for fear that they could expose their elderly parents to the virus. For some, travel restrictions may limit their ability to stay with loved ones.
I do write this post with a heavy heart having known and know women who have been domestically abused, but raising awareness and being aware of the signs of a potentially abusive relationship can ensure that you know what to look out for and potentially avoid a horrible situation.
For anyone reading this, looking for advice or comfort or even just an ear to listen, please follow the link below. It features a government-approved list of domestic abuse helplines and charities that are ready to help, please reach out. https://www.gov.uk/report-domestic-abuse
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