Parties Condemn Domestic Violence.
Local political parties and representatives have condemned recent figures that domestic violence has risen due to the Covid-19 pandemic writes Kevin McAteer.
Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has welcomed increased focus on the impact of COVID-19 on domestic abuse and she has called for increased protection for victims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liz Kimmins said: “As the coronavirus pandemic continues it is of great concern that many victims of domestic abuse may be suffering more, and suffering in silence.
“Sinn Féin have been regularly engaging with Women’s Aid and the PSNI over the last number of weeks and they have been highlighting a number of specific concerns around domestic abuse in the current climate.
“Women’s Aid has the expertise in working with victims of domestic abuse, and it is vital that we listen to their concerns so that we can understand and address the issues.
“During COVID-19 there are already increased household tensions due to restrictions of movement, economic stress and health worries. When added to the increased time spent with perpetrators this largely escalates the threat of domestic abuse, cuts off escape routes and makes it more difficult for victims to seek help.
“To anyone who is currently suffering domestic abuse please remember that you are not alone and that help is available. You can contact the 24/7 Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on:
“Or if you are in an emergency, call 999.”
Concerns have been raised following a surge in domestic violence cases nationwide due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Respect phone line offers advice to individuals who have been violent towards their partners or are fearful conditions of the lockdown will lead to them losing control of their behaviour. There was an initial dip in calls at the start of the lockdown but an increase recorded recently.
The figures come as Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, reported a 120% increase in calls to its helpline.
Women’s Aid also welcomed the recent statement by Justice Minister, Naomi Long highlighting the ongoing work of her Department during Covid-19 and recognising the dangerous reality of living with domestic violence and abuse.
Minister Long said: “All too often, rather than being a haven, for those living with abusive partners or family members, home is a place of hurt and of fear”.
Women’s Aid services are open across the whole of NI with nine local groups providing emergency accommodation, outreach and community-based support services while continuing to support significant numbers of children and young people within our services. Creative ways of working have evolved through emergency contingency plans which are in place to meet the needs of women, children and young people experiencing domestic violence and abuse in NI.
Councillor David Taylor, Ulster Unionist Party Group Leader on Newry Mourne & Down District Council said: “The Ulster Unionist Party takes the issue of domestic violence extremely seriously and we applaud the work being done by Women’s Aid to provide help and support to people who suffer from domestic abuse at any time.
“We recognise that during Covid-19 there are increased household tensions due to forced co-existence and that additional tensions can lead to an even more volatile situation within many households.
“It is imperative that as a society we heed the advice from Women’s Aid as to how to maintain contact with those we suspect to be living with an abuser and let them know that help and support is available.”
During Covid-19 there are increased household tensions due to forced co-existence, economic stress and worries about the virus which are all contributing factors to already stressed households, and add domestic violence and abuse and it is an extremely toxic family environment for everyone – women, men,children and young people. This environment is difficult to manage in relation to safety and risk assessment and Women’s Aid would focus on safety planning in key public messages and awareness during this time.
Increase in both psychological and coercive and controlling behaviours are prevalent currently as well as all forms of domestic violence and abuse including financial, sexual and physical abuse. People now find themselves in lock down 24/7 within a reduced or small space and this can cause tension and anger. Many controlling patterns of behaviour can become worse or can become accelerated during this time. Women, children and young people, hear it, sense it and feel it.
A spokesperson for Women’s Aid NI said: “Women’s Aid have been extremely successful in finding new and innovative ways to continue to provide the vital specialised support to women, children and young people during Covid-19 and this is done in such a way to best meet the need of that women or women and children within the refuge and community and outreach setting.
“Our staff are set up to work remotely within outreach and floating support and can provide the same level of support via web-based chats or telephone. New referrals are also made in this way and same level of risk assessment and continuous support will be provided.
All our accommodation across NI is continuing to keep women, children and young people safe and supported with most of our accommodation full at this time. So many women, children and young people are still living within communal spaces which causes difficulty in relation to social distancing and isolation periods. Women’s Aid have adapted these spaces as best we can to maintain good health and safety and to follow Covid-19 Guidance.“
Also, South Down SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley added: “We urgently need all victims of domestic abuse, be they male or female, to understand that help continues to be available.
“Under no circumstances should you have to weigh up the risks of catching Covid-19 against the possibility of being subjected to any form of domestic violence.
“Access to safe and timely support is available and you must safeguard yourself and others in your household from any form of abuse.
“Often abuse leaves people feeling extremely insecure and lacking in the courage they need to reach out for help. Please know there are people at the end of the phone who fully understand your situation and they are there waiting to help.
“Anyone in immediate danger should call 999 and press 55 on a mobile if they are unable to talk and the PSNI will still be there for you.
“The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is at: 0808 802 1414 “.
