Domestic Abuse: Protection from harm during ‘lockdown’

Tuesday 31 March 2020

The Government’s guidance has now evolved to ‘Staying at home and away from others’. For those in a situation of domestic abuse or at risk of domestic abuse, and home is often not a safe place, there may be questions about the services available and how the guidance will impact them.

It’s important to remember that domestic abuse is not limited to physical abuse and can include, but is not limited to:

• coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
• economic abuse
• online abuse
• verbal abuse
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse

Key advice:

1. The Police are able to provide support. The ‘lockdown’ does not prevent you from contacting the Police when necessary. If you’re unable to speak on the phone to the operator, press ‘55’ to use the ‘Silent Solution’, which will result in the operator identifying the call as an emergency.
2. The Government has published specific guidance relating to Coronavirus and domestic abuse, which you can read here.
3. Whilst the running of courts has changed dramatically over the last few weeks, hearings are still taking place. The hearings are taking place remotely at times, and include emergency applications for Non-molestation Orders (also known as ‘injunctions’) or Occupation Orders (orders regulating occupation of the home).
4. You are permitted to seek refuge. Even though the Government guidance is to stay at home and practice social distancing, if you’re experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse you are permitted to seek refuge. However, there is a potential that services may be impacted by the current pandemic, therefore it is advised that you keep updated as to the services available at specific refuges; some local domestic abuse organisations may be able to help with practical planning.
5. Domestic Abuse organisations are adapting their ways of working to continue to provide services to those in need. Many organisations continue to offer advice over the phone/via their websites and have specific Covid-19 statements and advice to include practical solutions, revised safety planning and self-care.

Useful websites:

Please see the following list of Domestic Abuse organisations:

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

https://leedswomensaid.co.uk/

https://www.womenslivesleeds.org.uk/

https://www.galop.org.uk/galop-to-run-national-lgbt-domestic-violence-helpline/

https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

If you would like more information on any of the above, please email or call our Family Law team today on 0113 227 9285.