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UK SAYS NO MORE launches #ListeningFromHome campaign
People experiencing domestic abuse and living with their abusers are at an increased risk during the UK’s coronavirus lockdown.
Many face an increased risk of domestic abuse and violence and will have lost their opportunity to reach out to friends, family members, and other support networks, with perpetrators using lockdown and isolation as a new means of exerting control over their victim.
Our new #ListeningFromHome domestic abuse awareness campaign is encouraging family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours to be aware of, and report, signs of domestic abuse whilst the UK is in lockdown.
The campaign advises those who may be concerned about a friend, neighbour or family member on how to access support, by following these guidelines:
- Check-in with victims but be mindful that communication channels may be monitored
- Call 999 if you are concerned for someone’s safety – the police are continuing to offer the same level of support as always
- Use Hestia’s Bright Sky app to contact specialist domestic abuse services
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, helplines remain open.
The Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England): 0808 2000 247
24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline (Northern Ireland): 0808 802 1414
Scotland’s 24hr Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
Live Fear Free 24 hour helpline (Wales): 0808 8010 800
Respect, Men’s Advice Line, open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00: 0808 801 0327
ManKind Initiative Helpline, open Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00: 01823 334244
Galop’s LGBT+ Helpline, open Monday, Tuesday and Friday 10:00 to 17:00, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 to 20:00: 0800 999 5428
Already, Hestia is seeing a 30 per cent increase in the number of people seeking support and activity on their free Bright Sky app, which provides help and information for those in an abusive relationship.
With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime, it’s possible that someone on your street is experiencing it right now.
While we are all at home, it is the responsibility of all of us to know how to access support for those we know.
Lyndsey Dearlove, Head of UK SAYS NO MORE at Hestia said:
“Overnight, victims have lost their means of getting support, their chance to confide in other parents at the school gate, and the opportunity to reach out to friends, family and co-workers.
It is crucial that victims of domestic abuse know that support services are still open and can help. Our campaign aims to give people the tools and resources to provide a community response to domestic abuse. Our concern is that many will simply think there is no where they can go for help because of the lockdown and coronavirus. We want women to know that Hestia’s refuges are open, and we can support you.
We believe we will see a rise in cases, and we need to be ready for that, whenever it may come. Victims may feel they are isolated, but we want them to know that their voices are being heard.”
Kat, a survivor of domestic abuse said:
“By opening up to my friend, I knew she would help me. By disclosing to someone I knew this would be the turning point and I had to get away. My friend gave me the strength to report what was happening to the police. I felt terrified and relieved at the same time. I was ashamed this had happened to me but ultimately, I felt believed. It feels extremely lonely when you are going through something as terrifying and isolating as domestic abuse. Do not suffer alone, please tell someone.”
- Learn more about domestic abuse
- Download the Bright Sky app for free from your app store
- Read Kat Araniello’s blog on domestic abuse and coronavirus
