There is real concern that as lockdown continues they’ll be an increased risk to those isolating at home with an abusive or controlling partner.
North Yorkshire County Council is urging anyone who needs help to contact the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS). The service aims to provide anyone in need and also encourages friends and families of those needing support to contact the organisation.
IDAS is the largest domestic abuse service in Yorkshire and over lockdown has adapted to the change in circumstances to provide video calls and emailing. The organisation is also planning to set up a virtual support group over the coming weeks.
Sarah Hill, Chief Executive of IDAS, has warned that the risks to those isolating with an abusive partner could increase as lockdown continues. She said:
“We are really worried about the risks of people being isolated with abusive people whose behaviour may escalate due to increasing uncertainty, pressure on finances and cramped conditions. Many people who face controlling, violent or abusive behaviour from a partner or family member are likely to be feeling very scared about being isolated with them for long periods of time. We want them to know that there is support available. Over the next few months, we will work creatively and flexibly to provide vital services in very difficult circumstances.
Amongst the safety advice IDAS has offered, they say:
- Get a spare phone and store emergency contact numbers in it and hide it in a safe place or with a trusted person
- Keep your ID documents, emergency funds, bank cards and children’s birth certificates to hand
- Speak to your neighbours and ask them to ring the police if they hear or see anything
- Set up safe words with friends so they know to call for help on your behalf
- Plan to check in with people regularly so that they can raise the alarm if they don’t hear from you
IDAS aim to continue supporting as many people in the region as it can, including using online platforms.
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Charlotte, whose name has been changed, is a Domestic Abuse Practitioner she said:.
“During the coronavirus outbreak, the challenges have been to continue to deliver a safe and productive support service. We have adapted by using various platforms including WhatsApp and Zoom and have introduced ‘coffee morning chats’ with a couple of clients. The sessions have enabled them to discuss general ‘lockdown’ issues including how to keep the children pro-active, and issues with court proceedings. We are also planning to begin a new virtual support group based on the ‘Moving On from Domestic Abuse’ (MODA) group in the next couple of weeks.”