Fears over jobs, financial pressure, school closures, working from home and all other current changes to our day to day lives are likely to result in an increase in domestic abuse incidents.

If you're already living with domestic abuse, then the restrictions put in place while the government tries to slow the spread of the virus have probably left you fearful of being isolated in the house with your abuser and as if there is nowhere to go for help. 

You may not be able to see the friends and family who usually support you and some of the places where you go for help or treatment may be closed or offering a reduced service. Please remember that you can still call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.

While some domestic abuse support services are not able to offer face to face meetings at this time, there is still help and advice available online and via telephone. 

What is domestic abuse?

The Home Office's official definition of domestic abuse is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

This can encompass but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.

Where to get help

If you feel you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

If your situation is not urgent, please call the police on 101 or contact our housing team on 01730 234415 between the hours of 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm (Monday to Friday) to plan your next steps.

These local and national organisations are working hard to ensure they can still support you:

If you're a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, then call Childline on 0800 1111