Domestic abuse reported to the United Kingdom have surged by nearly 50% during the coronavirus lockdown.
According to the Crimestoppers, a UK independent crime fighting charity, 120 reports were sent to the police during the week which began on April 6 after restriction measures came into effect.
There is however an increase of 49.3% from the average of 80.4 per week across a five-week period in January and February, before the lockdown was implemented.
Alexa Loukas, London regional manager at the charity, said;
With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing people to stay in their homes, we have seen a rise of nearly 50% in domestic abuse reports that are sent to law enforcement nationally.
To be isolated during this lockdown in an abusive household must be terrifying, and you must feel so alone, that there is no one to help you.
She stressed that;
This is where we can step forward if we know of someone suffering in silence. Often in cases of domestic abuse, people are aware but struggle to know what to do to help.
Fears have been raised of an increase in domestic violence due to the pressure cooker effect of abusers and their partners self-isolating at home together.
Earlier this week, Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird stated that they have recorded suspected domestic abuse killings in the last three weeks, around five a week which is up from the usual average of two.
On his part, Chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Martin Hewitt revealed police have seen an increase of 3% in recorded domestic violence offences in England and Wales in the four weeks to April 12 compared to the same period last year.
Commander Sue Williams, who leads on safeguarding for the UK Metropolitan Police, said;
The restrictions necessary to combat Covid-19 mean that some people may feel trapped in their homes with an abuser and isolated from support. The Metropolitan is absolutely committed to protecting those at risk and our officers are out every day, arresting perpetrators and supporting victims. It is more important than ever for people to look out for one another.
A spokesman said other organizations have made protecting those at risk of domestic abuse a priority during the lockdown period.
