Help with domestic abuse during Covid 19 lockdown

by Kidd Rapinet on May 5, 2020
Domestic abuse during Covid 19

Help with domestic abuse during Covid 19 lockdown 

The Covid 19 lockdown has led to a sharp increase in domestic abuse, with victims unable to escape perpetrators.  The unfamiliar experience of being cooped up in small spaces, juggling childcare and home schooling, money worries with one or both partners furloughed or made redundant is creating a living nightmare for many.

The Charity Refuge has reported 49% rise in calls to its helpline during the first 3 weeks of lockdown to 400 calls per day.

Cover your tracks

Delete your browser history – if you have visited abuse support websites and share the computer with the abuser, you can remove your search history.  Go to the window you were browsing hold down the ctrl key on the keyboard and press the H key.  Find the entries you do not wish to be found and right click and delete.

Abuse is never ok.  With social distancing rules and the government enforcing the message “stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives” abuse victims are struggling to know where to turn.

Specialist advice

Gaining immediate help and support is imperative, below are a wide range of support helplines.  Please do call 999 if you or another member of your family is at immediate risk.

Longer-term planning

While looking ahead may seem impossible, planning for an alternative future is key to mental wellbeing and happiness.  Our experienced family lawyers deal with complex relationships -our domestic violence specialists bring an entirely different level of understanding to men and women suffering from abuse.  Please do reach out if we can help you.  Details of our family solicitors can be found here.

Domestic Abuse Support Helplines

Emergencies

  • Dial 999 from a mobile – If you can’t speak to request ‘police’ the operator may prompt you to cough or will put you through to the silent solution which is a 20 second automated police message where you will be ask to press 55. This will then put you through to the police. #silentsolution
  • Dial 999 from a landline – If you can’t speak and caller can only hear background noise and doubt for safety exists they will put you through to the police. If you replace the handset the call will remain live for 45 seconds in case you pick up again. If you do, the call handler will put the call through to the police.
  • Refuge – The National Domestic Abuse Helpline0808 2000 247. This is a 24 hour line
  • The Men’s Advice line for male domestic abuse – 0808 801 0327
  • Childline –
  • The Mix, free information and support for under 25’s – 0808 808 4994
  • National LGBT and domestic abuse helpline – 0800 999 5428
  • Women’s Aid – click here to find support in your local area

This article was brought to you by Kidd Rapinet’s family solicitors. You can book an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, High Wycombe, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided.  Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.

These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or them of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.

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