What do you do when “lockdown” isn’t safe? I’ve had many women message me about fearing their partners whilst in lockdown and it’s breaking my heart.
I just saw an article in The Guardian about this and numbers for domestic violence are on the rise around the world…
Women and children who live with domestic violence have no escape from their abusers during quarantine, and from Brazil to Germany, Italy to China, activists and survivors say they are already seeing an alarming rise in abuse.
In Italy activists said calls to helplines had dropped sharply, but instead they were receiving desperate text messages and emails.
One message was from a woman who had locked herself in the bathroom and wrote to ask for help,” said Lella Palladino, from EVA Cooperativa, an activists’ group for the prevention of violence against women. “For sure there is an overwhelming emergency right now. There is more desperation as women can’t go out.”
The Guardian
And those are only the reported cases. What about those who are constantly being monitored by their abusers and can’t call out or contact anyone?
If you or anyone you know is looking for help, please call one of these numbers. There are people there that can help you. Watch out for your neighbors. Pay attention to those who are vulnerable.
Women’s Aid – https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/ – Online chat, email, information, and a forum of other survivors to help.
ChildLine– 0800 1111 – ChildLine is the free and confidential 24-hour helpline for young people and children in the UK. You can call ChildLine with any worry, big or small. Calls to this number will not show up on mobile phone or landline bills.
FREEPHONE 24-HOUR NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELPLINE 0808 2000 247 – Freephone the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. Calls to this number will not show up on BT Landline phone bills.
Rape Crisis- 0808 802 9999 – A telephone helpline service for women and girls who are survivors of rape, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment or any form of sexual violence. Click here for their website.
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline T: 0800 999 5428 E: [email protected] Emotional and practical support for LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse. Abuse isn’t always physical- it can be psychological, emotional, financial and sexual too. Speak out, don’t suffer in silence.
QUICK NUMBERS FOR DV HELP
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123 (calls will not show up on phone bills)
Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available
Stay safe. Love one another. Ax
