Bastian Lloyd Morris
Domestic abuse – the shadow pandemic
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019/2020, a global increase in domestic abuse has been reported. T e UN has described the worldwide increase as a ‘shadow pandemic’ alongside COVID-19. It is thought that cases have increased by as much as 20% during lockdown, as many people are fi nding themselves trapped at home with their abuser. Lockdown is bearable if you are lucky enough to be spending it with your best friend, but it is an entirely diff erent matter if you are spending it with your worst enemy. It was predictable that the restrictions imposed to keep the virus
from spreading would also allow domestic abuse to fl ourish. Domestic abuse increases whenever families spend more time together, such as Christmas and summer holidays. T erefore, having to socially isolate brings with it the same dangers. Add to this the possible stresses caused by fi nancial worries, un- employment and anxiety surrounding the virus itself, and we are left with families in tinderbox situations. T e isolation of family units has exacerbated domestic abuse, as perpetrators are more likely to be at home with the victim, and the traditional routes to help and support, such as schools, GPs and workplaces, may be closed. T ere have un- doubtedly been new cases of domestic abuse during the pandemic and the imposed isolation may mean that there have been fewer opportunities to identify the early warning signs of abuse. We know that other countries that are dealing
with the COVID-19 pandemic have reported an in- crease in domestic abuse cases. Sadly, this has been borne out in the UK also, with the UK Domestic Abuse Helpline reporting a 25% increase in people calling the helpline since lockdown began. During the fi rst three weeks of lockdown, 11 women, two children and one man died as a result of domestic abuse. Victims of domestic abuse are facing restricted
access to support or escape as a result of the lock- down measures. Some may feel that it is not safe to reach out for help, as the stay-at-home policy means that there are fewer opportunities to speak to someone while the perpetrator is always pres- ent. Common tools of abuse include isolation from friends and family, constant surveillance and strict detailed rules for behaviour. T is atmosphere of constant monitoring makes it impossible for many victims to successfully access support. T ere are, consequently, risks associated with calling helplines when the perpetrator might be
44 ALL THINGS BUSINESS
Pamela Waterhouse Head of EPD
Bastian Lloyd Morris
able to overhear conversations. This is demon- strated by the fact that domestic abuse services have seen a signifi cant increase in the use of their online services and web forum support services. T ere have also been reported increases in calls to helplines late in the evening. It is important to recognise that domestic abuse is a hidden crime, so the increase in calls to the na- tional helpline or to the police will be only part of the picture. Victims will often choose to disclose the abuse to family, friends or work colleagues rather than to the police or other agencies, so there is likely to be a great deal of unreported incidents. Local councils are reporting that referrals to
children’s social care have fallen since the stay-at- home guidance was issued. Councils receive, on av- erage, almost 1,800 referrals per day and evidence suggests that these have fallen by more than half in some areas. T is raises concerns that, without the regular oversight of professionals in schools or medical settings, some children may be at risk of abuse or neglect in the home that cannot currently be highlighted in the normal way. T ere are a number of organisations currently
working hard to off er support and advice to vic- tims of domestic abuse. T e UK Domestic Abuse Helpline (080 820 00247) and NSPCC (080 880 05000) are two of them. However, the true extent of domestic abuse will probably not emerge until after the pandemic, when more victims are able to speak freely.
For more information visit
www.blmsolicitors.co.uk or call 01908 546580.
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