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:

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

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