It is always important to consider family dynamics when supporting our clients, now more than ever within the current lockdown period, relationships can be strained and have additional stress thrust upon them.

There has been a shocking increase in calls to the National domestic abuse helpline during the COVID-19 pandemic and new figures from the helpline reveal there have been over 50 murder between the end of March 2020 and the start of July 2020. More than 40,000 calls were made to the National Domestic Helpline during the first lockdown, and the figures are continuing to rise. One significant and notable theme is that the use of technology to intimidate and control partners has increased, perpetrators were using smart lock webcams and social media or sharing revenge porn to harass their targets.

Liverpool University Hospitals recently produced a 7 minute briefing on this:

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner but also by a family member or carer.

1 – 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men suffer from domestic abuse in their lifetime.

2 – On average a victim will suffer 35 incidents of domestic abuse/violence before seeking help

3 – DV gets worse during pregnancy: it is estimated that 4 to 5 in every 100 pregnant women are abused during their pregnancy or soon after the birth

4 – Nearly half of male victims fail to tell anyone they are a victim of domestic violence (Only 51 % tell anyone)

5 – 62% of children in households where domestic violence is happening are also directly harmed

6 – Two women are killed each week by a current or former partner in England and Wales

7 – One in two young women have experienced controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship

As we support our clients – and especially through these trying times – know how to spot the signs of abuse.

Under the introduction of Clare’s Law – this provides the opportunity for people to gain information under ‘right to ask’ ruling. The right to know application can be done by the individual or by a professional such as social worker or case manager – so it’s good to be aware of this.

For more information on this law and help and advice visit Safe Lives and Safe Net