Coronavirus: home isolation and domestic violence

Autore: Top Doctors^®

Pubblicato: 17/04/2020 | Aggiornato: 26/10/2023

Editor: Emma McLeod

The coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown and mandatory restrictions placed on the UK to protect the nation’s health have certainly had a devastating effect on the lives of many. It’s has a terrible effect on the lives of women, men and their children who are victims of endless domestic violence.

At the end of this article, you'll find a summarised list of contact details for support organisations.

When there is no safe space

Home isolation has become the nightmare of those who are forced to suffer gender-based violence on a daily basis. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, victims had more reasons to leave home i.e. to go to work, see family and friends, take children to school children etc. Necessary restrictions mean these reasons are no longer allowed and as a result, the security and safety of domestic abuse victims has been significantly compromised.

Lockdown increases the risk of domestic violence

Due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the UK went into lockdown on the 23^rd of March 2020. Since then, reports of domestic violence have been increasing. The lockdown has resulted in social instability and economic uncertainty, and if you find your abuser is becoming additionally agitated by financial worries or restrictions on their daily living, you might find their aggression towards you has also has increased.

Despite the emergency situation, services are available that can provide support for you and your children too. You might feel discouraged from seeking help from the police or support networks because your abuser is at home with you, but it’s important to know that you still have access to different methods of help.

If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 999

If you or your children are in an emergency situation, e.g. if you’re being pursued or attacked, call 999 immediately to alert the police. Even in times of the lockdown, the police are still able to assist you.

The following list contains additional advice provided by Refuge, and you can see the full details and information on their webpage by clicking here.

Plan an escape route. Think of where you could run to, how to contact the police and how to alert nearby neighbours. If you have children, tell them where to go in case you get separated.
Avoid rooms with objects that could be used to hurt you, like the kitchen.
Make sure your children know how to call 999

If you can’t call someone because your abuser will hear you

You can email organisations that support domestic abuse victims through email and live chats. This way, you can get help discretely without them hearing you.

Women’s Aid, another national organisation that supports women and children, victims of abuse, can be contacted by their email: [email protected] or chat line (link at the end of the article).

If you choose to email, it’s worth noting that you should mention when it’s safe for them to reply to you.

If you can call someone without being detected

If you are in a situation where you can call for help without being detected, you can call Refuge, a UK national freephone helpline for sufferers of domestic abuse, on 0808 200 0247.

If your abuser is aware of their violent behaviour and wants to stop

If your partner is aware of their behaviour and is ashamed, scared or frustrated on the effect it’s having on you (and possibly your children too), there is support available.

Respect is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for people who commit acts of domestic abuse. They also provide support for victims. You can call them on their Freephone number 0808 8024040

It is important to remember, however, that even if your abuser is trying to change, you are still able to get help if they continue to abuse you.

If you are experiencing violence, do not remain silent. There are many people who can support you and help you during this period of social and economic uncertainty.