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Domestic Violence and COVID-19 – Impact and Ways to Get Help

Thursday April 9, 2020

Trainee Legal Executive Bethany Connor has written this article to help people to understand exactly what domestic abuse is and where anyone affected can get help.

 

URGENT: if you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police, the police will continue to respond to emergency calls.

 

PLEASE NOTE: if you in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force who will assist you without you having to speak.

What is the definition of Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is more than physical violence. It can also include: coercive control, financial abuse, online abuse, verbal abuse, emotional and mental abuse and sexual abuse.

 

The impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence

 

I was concerned that COVID-19 will impact the most vulnerable and recent figures show that it has. There has been a massive 25% increase of domestic violence since the commencement of ‘lockdown’.

 

I understand that the recent COVID-19 measures, such as the order to stay at home can cause additional anxieties and stress for those who are experiencing or feel at risk of domestic violence. Domestic abuse is unacceptable regardless of the situation! The confined spaces can lead to increase anxieties and additional stresses but this is not an excuse. 

 

As a Trainee Legal Executive who specialises in domestic abuse it was inevitable that COVID-19 I anticipated that it was going to impact people of all ages, genders, ethnicities.  I knew it would build up domestic tensions and cut off escape routes for victims. I know people are scared to seek help and support but you need to know you are not a burden to us, contact myself, should you be feeling such feelings as alone, scared, at risk and many more. My mobile number is 07713 274 589.

 

It is in evitable whilst in lockdown or self-isolation women and children are likely to be spending concentrated periods of time with perpetrators. I should note, that not all perpetrators are men, women can be perpetrators too! The increased periods of time with perpetrators will potentially escalate the threat of domestic abuse. People and organisations can help, I can help.

 

If you feel you are at risk of domestic violence, please do not hesitate to reach out for support. There are various organisations that can assist you, including myself and my colleagues at AFG. You can also obtain help and support from Women’s Aid and Men’s Advice Line.

 

If you are concerned about how COVID-19 may affect your finances and leave you vulnerable, please contact and seek advice from me. I will be able to assist you and point you to the right support.  

 

Get in touch with myself or my colleagues at AFG LAW, we can help you today. We are in contact with local domestic violence support agencies and are facilitating remote hearings should you require an Occupation Order, Non-Molestation Order alongside the potential for a Child Arrangements Order pursuant to the Family Law Act 1996 & Children Act 1989.

 

Who can help?

 

Here are support services which can also help and direct you to refuges and provide the required support.

 

FortAlice, Bolton
telephone: 01204 365677
website: fortalice.org.uk
email: info@fortalice.co.uk

Women’s Housing Action Group (WHAG), Bury
telephone: 01706 298 222
website: whag.info/contact
email: whag@whag.info

Womens Aid, Manchester
telephone: 0161 660 7999
website: https://www.pankhursttrust.org/about-us
email: info@manchesterwomensaid.org

Men’s Advice Line
telephone: (freephone) 0808 801 0327
website: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/contact-us/
email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Bethany can bet contacted by as follows:

EMAIL: Bethany.Connor@afglaw.co.uk
CALL: 07713 274 589

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