Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline shines the light on coronavirus lockdown and domestic abuse

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is raising awareness of the coronavirus lockdown and the impact on domestic abuse.
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Coronavirus lockdown is not responsible for domestic abuse - people are. That’s what Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline wants people to remember. What the lockdown has done, is heighten awareness of issues.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse. The service aims to improve the lives of those affected by domestic abuse including those seeking help to change their behaviour.

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Christine Roach, chair of Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, said: "Home is meant to be a safe place but for many it is the opposite. Many victims are now trapped with their abusers in a pressure cooker environment.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline shines the light on coronavirus lockdown and domestic abuse (C) Herts Domestic Abuse HelplineHerts Domestic Abuse Helpline shines the light on coronavirus lockdown and domestic abuse (C) Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline shines the light on coronavirus lockdown and domestic abuse (C) Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline

"They can’t leave the house and it’s difficult for them to find a time when it’s safe to call. They may have children, who are also suffering through being trapped with the abuser.

"Despite lockdown, in April and May our call numbers shot up by 48 per cent and 63 per cent respectively compared to the same months last year, with many people now contacting us via our new email service.

"Our website has seen an increase of 59 per cent in unique visitors from 1 June 2019 to 31 May 2020 as people search for information and help.

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"The Police are already dealing with a rise in domestic abuse cases. They have given a clear message that they are still actively protecting victims and their families and pursuing perpetrators.

"Officers are equipped with personal protection equipment (PPE) and can attend domestic abuse incidents reported to them, whatever the circumstances."

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline provides a safe space for victims of domestic abuse to talk through their situation anonymously and in confidence so they can consider their options.

When they call the freephone number they will talk to one of the well-trained call takers, who will then be able to signpost them to the services most likely to be able to help.

The decision what to do next remains with the caller.

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Christine added: "Our service is not just for the victims themselves. Each year we receive calls from concerned friends and family members and also from professionals such as GPs or health visitors who may have patients/clients with them.

"Please contact us if you are concerned about someone you know.

"As a society, coronavirus has lifted the lid on what was happening behind closed doors and forced us to see what was ‘normal’ for so many victims and survivors.

"We hope a future ‘return to normal’ includes a continued commitment to rid our society of domestic abuse."

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Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is open as usual during this lockdown period, call: 08088 088 088 Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and at weekends between 9am-4pm, or email: [email protected]

For more information about the many different types of domestic abuse including coercive and controlling behaviour, visit: www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org.