NATIONAL HELPLINE SEES 50 PER CENT RISE IN CALLS WHILE KILLINGS DOUBLE IN THREE-WEEK PERIOD AFTER RESTRICTIONS BEGAN

FRIGHTENED Atherstone and district domestic abuse victims forced to live under the same roof as the perpetrator during Covid-19 lockdown have been urged to "speak up" as virus restrictions have generated a rising tide of violence.

North Warwickshire Borough Council says "those unable to access support" should call for help "if they need it"– however that affects social distancing rules.

The plea comes as the Government is facing demands from MPs for a full action plan following a national domestic abuse helpline saw a near 50 per cent rise in calls and killings doubled weeks after coronavirus restrictions were imposed.

Researchers at Counting Dead Women have calculated that between March 23, when the lockdown began, and April 12, there were at least 14 women and two children in killed domestic scenarios. The figure is the largest number of killings in a three-week period for 11 years and more than double the average rate, they said.

The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee warned without urgent steps to address the issue, families and communities would be dealing with the "devastating consequences" for a generation to come.

A spokeswoman for the Atherstone-based North Warwickshire authority said: "While families are requested to spend time indoors together, the lockdown may make victims more frightened to speak out or unable to access support, with a greater risk of suffering abuse, especially if this means they spend an extended period of time with the perpetrator of the abuse."

The Domestic Abuse support service 'Refuge' and helpline remain open to provide information and support on 0800 408 1552 or in an emergency please call 999, the council said.

A statement from NWBC added: "Social distancing rules do not prevent someone who is experiencing or at risk of being abused from leaving their home and seeking help, particularly if they are in danger.

"Refuges remain open and police will provide support to all individuals being abused.

"Abuse needn't just be physical; it can also take the form of psychological, emotional, financial and online harm too.

"As we all come together to help our local communities, you can play a small part in protecting family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, who you may suspect are suffering at the hands of an abuser."

The council has put together some guidance to help abuse victims, not just during the pandemic but under normal circumstances.

For those suffering abuse:

Remember you are not alone. Domestic abuse is never okay and you do not need to suffer in silence. Help is at hand and support services continue to be available across Warwickshire during the COVID-19 pandemic. For those in immediate danger:

Always call 999 in an emergency; if you are unable to speak on the phone, there are systems in place to connect you to the right service:

• If you are calling from a mobile phone, in danger and cannot speak, you can use the 'Silent Solution' system. After dialling 999 wait for the operator and press 55 and the operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. The police call handler will then ask you a series of simple yes/no questions. If you're still not able to speak, listen to the instructions you are given so the handler can assess your call and send help. Please note that calling from a mobile does not allow the police to track your location.

• If you are calling from a landline, pressing '55' will not work. If you can't speak you should stay on the line and the operator will connect you to a police call handler. If you need to put the phone down, the line will stay open for 45 seconds. If you pick it up again during this time and the operator is concerned for your safety, they will put you through to a police call handler. Calling 999 from a landline means the police may be able to retrieve information on your location to send help.

If you are a concerned relative, friend or neighbour, Refuge – the Warwickshire Domestic Violence Service – has pulled together a list of tips and advice to look out for, if you are suspicious someone is suffering from domestic abuse.

This includes:

• Engage with the victim and ask them to reach out to supportive family and friends who can help practically (eg food, childcare) as well as in coping with stress;

• Together develop a safety plan for them and their children's safety in case the violence gets worse. This includes keeping numbers of neighbours, friends and family who can be called on for help; have accessible important documents, money, a few personal things ready to go if they need to leave immediately; make a plan how they can exit the house and access help (please go to www.refuge.org.uk for a list of partners who can help);

• Help them to keep information about violence against women hotlines, social workers, child protection or nearest police station, shelters or support services that are accessible; and

• For local information search Refuge Warwickshire.