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Coronavirus: Women's Aid issues safety advice to women isolating in abusive households

‘Survivors are telling us that they are feeling unsafe with the prospect of being isolated in the house with their perpetrator,’ says charity

Olivia Petter
Wednesday 25 March 2020 11:09 GMT
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Women’s Aid has issued safety advice for women isolating in abusive households during the coronavirus lockdown.

On Tuesday, the charity for victims of domestic abuse published guidance assuring survivors that they are on hand to support them.

"Survivors are telling us that they are feeling unsafe with the prospect of being isolated in the house with their perpetrator," the organisation states.

"We want to reassure survivors and local specialist services that we are here for you and we will be doing everything we can to support you during this challenging time."

Women's Aid suggests keeping a mobile phone to hand at all times if possible so they can phone the police via 999 in case of an emergency.

The charity also encourages survivors to familiarise themselves with The Silent Solution, which is a police system used to filter out accidental or hoax 999 calls.

It is also used to provide support to people who cannot speak but need police assistance, such as domestic abuse victims who might be afraid of being overheard by their abusive partner when calling the police.

Women's Aid explains: "When somebody calls 999, an operator will ask which emergency service is required. If the caller is unable to audibly signal to the operator, the call will be forwarded to an operating system.

"If 55 is pressed by the caller, the system will detect this. The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency."

When you are transferred to the police force, the call handler will attempt to communicate by asking simple yes or no questions. If you are able to respond, the handler will then arrange the help that is needed.

You can find out more information about The Silent Solution here.

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For survivors who might have been utilising helplines or local support services that have been suspended due to coronavirus, Women's Aid suggests contacting a range of other confidential counselling services that are still running, such as Supportline.

The charity also stated that it's continuing to provide a Live Chat available online from 10am until 12pm and that its Survivors' Forum, an online resource for survivors of domestic abuse, can be accessed 24/7.

For those who might be considering leaving their homes, Women's Aid advises packing an emergency bag for you and your children if you have them.

"Try to include essential things such as medication, identification, money or cards," the charity states. "Essential clothing for you and your children."

The charity notes that due to the lockdown, staying with family and friends might not be an option and refuges might be harder to secure.

In such scenarios, it suggested contacting your local authority, which has a responsibility to give you information about your housing rights. The charity Shelter also provides free confidential housing information, support and legal advice on all housing and homelessness issues.

For more information from Women's Aid on welfare benefits, financial abuse, and what to do if you are concerned about a friend or neighbour being at home with an abuser, visit their website here.

Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via their website www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

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