Your say / Domestic Abuse
‘Being at home shouldn’t mean being at risk’
With the lockdown being extended for at least another three weeks, we all have to continue making changes to our everyday lives to ensure we are minimising the impact of the virus and protecting the NHS.
For most, this extension is frustrating and tedious. But for some, lockdown means living at home with an abusive partner, being confined with the perpetrator and being even more isolated from loved ones.
It is more important than ever that we acknowledge domestic abuse is happening behind closed doors and I want to reassure you that if you are a victim you do not need to suffer in silence. Being at home shouldn’t mean being at risk; help is out there and will continue to be there after the pandemic.
I fear that victims and survivors think they shouldn’t be bothering the police at the best of times but especially during the coronavirus outbreak; I cannot stress enough that this is not the case. The police, support services and I are urging you to come forward, seek help and be heard.
My team is in regular contact with all of our locally commissioned services, who I know have been working around the clock to adapt and find new ways of supporting victims and survivors.
The services are delivering advocacy, emotional and psychological support during the global health emergency, and support can be accessed whether you choose to report the crime to the police or not, no matter how long ago it took place.
For anyone facing domestic abuse or violence, the police, support services and I are still here and still listening. You are not alone.
I also want to reach out to neighbours, friends and family members; if you think someone is a victim of domestic abuse, please speak up. You are a lifeline to those who are at risk and we all need to be compassionate towards each other during these challenging times. You can also contact the police, a support service or, if you wish to report anonymously, Crimestoppers.
Useful contact details include:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Next Link: 0117 925 0680
- Safe Link: 0333 323 1543
- Somerset Survivors: 0800 6949 999
- Victim Support: 0808 1689111
- VOCAS Swan Advocacy: 0333 447928
- Young Victims Service: 01275 884488
- Resolve West: 0117 941 5379
- The Bridge: 0117 342 6999
- SARSAS: 08088 010456
PCC Sue Mountstevens. Photo by Ellie Pipe
Sue Mountstevens is the police and crime commissioner for Avon and Somerset
Main photo: Next Link
Read more: ‘Don’t suffer in silence’ – fears amid rise in domestic abuse calls
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