Domestic abuse and COVID-19
For many people, home is not a place of safety. It’s more important than ever that help continues to be available to adults and children living with abuse. But with lockdowns, restrictions and isolation, it can be more difficult for professionals who work with people experiencing abuse to provide support to those who need it.
If you need help now
If you, or someone else, is in immediate danger please call 999 and ask for the police. Silent calls will work if you are not safe to speak – use the Silent Solution system and call 999 and then press 55 when prompted. If you can’t use a voice phone, you can register with the police text service – text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger. Find out more.
Remember, Government rules about household isolation as a result of coronavirus do not apply to you if you are experiencing abuse at home at home. You can reach out for support. Find out how to get help.
Supporting victims, survivors and professionals
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic we’ve been sharing resources to help. But we know things are moving quickly at the moment.
You’ll find more information below about how we’ve been supporting professionals and people experiencing abuse or take a look at resources for:
- People experiencing abuse
- Family, friends and neighbours
- Domestic abuse and other professionals
- Employers
If you live in Scotland, please also see our Safe at Home in Scotland guidance.
Survivors’ voices
During the first lockdown in Spring 2020, we ran a survey to hear the voices of victims and survivors. Here’s what they told us. For more information, see a report of the latest results.
These findings have been shared with the Government to tell them what people experiencing abuse need.
Codeword scheme
Early in the pandemic our incredible group of Pioneer survivors put forward the idea of a code word to be used in the few shops allowed to be open – supermarkets and pharmacies. With support from the DA Commissioner and Victim’s Commissioner, we proposed a scheme to the Home Office.
We’re delighted to have been able to work with them in creating Ask for ANI. Read more about the scheme and participating pharmacies.
Listen to our latest podcast
Spotlight is the podcast that shines a light on the issues around domestic abuse. Listen to our latest episode below or see the full series on Soundcloud.
Working with the Government
We recognise that the Government has had to introduce emergency measures to protect those who are vulnerable to the coronavirus and to ensure that essential services can continue to function. However, this also increases the risk to people experiencing abuse.
Our briefing for MPs on the Coronavirus Bill sets out the key issues faced by people experiencing abuse at this time and what must be done to support them.
You may also be interested in:
- SafeLives submission to the Home Affairs Select Committee consultation on Covid-19 preparedness
- The VAWG sector joint statement on Covid-19
- End Violence Against Women’s Emergency Funding Joint Statement from Violence Against Women & Girls Sector
- The VAWG sector joint statement on the easing of coronavirus restrictions
Further reading and resources
- Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Violence against Women and Girls
- An Exploratory Investigation: Post-disaster Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence
- Briefing: Covid-19 – Gender and other Equality Issues
- Briefing: End Violence Against Women Coalition - COVID-19 Pandemic and the Duty to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls