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Domestic abuse

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) information

Support for domestic abuse concerns

Some children, women and men could be facing increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are here to help you. It is important you know you're not alone. The Council is continuing to work with other agencies to offer you support and encourage you to make contact when out on an essential trip (like shopping) to ask for help.

Open the Door website signposts to local and national help, encouraging people to start a conversation about domestic abuse and bring it out from behind closed doors.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 999.

Increased risks

Social distancing and self-isolation could be used as a tool of coercive and controlling behaviour by people with abusing behaviours, and will shut down routes to safety and support.

It is important to note that the coronavirus household isolation instruction does not apply to anyone who needs to leave their home to escape domestic abuse.

Adults over 70 and those requiring shielding may be at increased risk of the following:

  • Loneliness resulting in depression
  • Exploitation by others, strangers or unscrupulous neighbours who may take advantage of people financially or use scams to carry out unnecessary or fictitious work
  • Carers, paid or unpaid, who may put them under duress and refuse to follow government instructions.

Advice and support

Domestic abuse