When faced with the global pandemic of COVID-19, lockdown was a necessary measure to stop the spread of the virus. However, it also unfortunately handed domestic abusers more tools to harm and control women, children and young people. COVID-19, and stress about the pandemic, is not causing domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is an abuser’s choice, always. But lockdown, and associated measures, have meant that abusers have had more opportunities to watch, control and intimidate their victims.
Since the outbreak of the virus, Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline has seen a steady increase in the number of people looking for support around domestic abuse. In April-June this year, we received 95% more calls than we did at the same time last year. Additionally, our 36 local Women’s Aid groups have been telling us that demand for support services and emergency refuge accommodation is vastly outstripping availability.
As lockdown eases, and women have more opportunities to reach out, we expect there to be even more need for support. Additionally, as children and young people return to school and nursery, we expect increased disclosures of abuse at home. Children have not had these safe spaces outside of the home to reach out to other trusted adults for months now, and the impact on their wellbeing will have been huge.
Your financial support will go towards helping make sure that those coming forward for support have someone to talk to, have resources to help them recover and have access to safe spaces like emergency refuge accommodation.
Politicians, councils and front line services must be aware of and meet the needs of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse. Your donation will also allow us to continue our vital awareness raising, influencing and campaigning work, making sure the voices of those who have experienced abuse are heard.
Now, more than ever, your financial support can help the thousands of women, children and young people across Scotland experiencing domestic abuse. This pandemic has been difficult for all of us, but for them it has been especially hard. Any amount, large or small, is greatly appreciated.