Domestic abuse advice during the pandemic
People at risk of domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown should not be dissuaded from calling 999, Birmingham City Council’s domestic abuse adviser said.
Councillor Nicky Brennan has given advice to victims after West Midlands Police reported an increase in arrests of those suspected of domestic abuse during the lock down.
The force has arrested around 400 domestic abuse suspects over the past two weeks, and there has been a daily average of 119 domestic abuse crimes across the region – a slight increase on previous figures.
Meanwhile, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has seen a 25 per cent increase in calls and online requests for help.
Councillor Brennan, who represents the Sparkhill ward, said: “If it’s an emergency, call the police on 999.
“There’s a conception that perpetrators would tell their victims the police won’t come if the perpetrator tells police ‘we have coronavirus symptoms’.
“That’s not true. The police would come if you are being abused and in an emergency.
“You can also call Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid if you live in Birmingham or Coventry Haven Women’s Aid or The Haven Wolverhampton. Or you can call the national helpline.
“The national Women’s Aid charity has a chat portal. It would be possible to do that more discreetly than speaking on the phone.
“I am really hoping the Government will give funding for online chat services to be rolled out locally.
“The helpline advisor would give practical advise. They would probably put the caller in touch with a charity locally. They would also be able to see bed space at a local refuge.
“If you are worried about a neighbour, be extra vigilant. If you are worried about a loved one, get in touch with the police or the helplines.
“What Victoria Derbyshire did when she had the helpline number on her hand was brilliant.
“I think the council leadership need to be talking to women’s organisations, asking what they need.
“Also messaging, and doing a campaign is really important. Making sure things are going up including on social media.
“They should have trained staff available on helplines if someone calls the council because they don’t know where else to go.
“Also, speaking to supermarkets would be a good idea about having messaging in stores.
“They could be a place where victims are going. It may help to have staff there who are trained. A messaging campaign would be really important.
“Lots of people forget key workers could be victims of abuse at home. Employers like the NHS and schools need to be vigilant.
“We have this image of what a victim is – anyone can be a victim of abuse.”
People can contact Women’s Aid Birmingham and Solihull or call the confidential helpline on 0808 800 0028. Email: info@bswaid.org Website: bswaid.org, the national Women’s Aid online chat service can be found at: chat.womensaid.org.uk, or other helpline numbers include The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors on 0808 801 0327.
