Extra support for victims of domestic abuse as lock-down increases risk

In a statement, Western Isles Violence Against Women Partnership (VAWP) said they were aware that there was an increased risk of domestic abuse within the Islands, “as people observe isolation and social distancing guidance”, and welcomed the additional support for those affected.

Last week the Scottish Government said that new guidance developed in partnership with COSLA, the organisation of Scotland’s local authorities, “will help women and children continue to get the best support that they deserve”.

The government said the guidance will signpost to local resources, and will assist ‘decision-makers’ in identifying women and children at risk as well as the short, medium and long term steps they can take to support their recovery and wellbeing, and is part of a range of measures introduced to tackle higher levels of abuse and violence, including a £1.5m funding package for the women’s aid and rape crisis network.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “I am both saddened and shocked that domestic abuse has increased during this lock down period. It is unacceptable that people are at risk from those they live with.

“While these times are difficult for all of us, there are unfortunately those who are more badly affected. Some women and children may feel very isolated now, and need our help more than ever.

“This guidance is underpinned by our existing Equally Safe strategy and will support the strong leadership already being demonstrated by local authorities and their key community planning partners across Scotland.”

Councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA’s Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, said: “We know that this pandemic has heightened the risks to women and children living with domestic abuse and other forms of gender based violence globally.

“This supplementary guidance is informed by the expertise of a broad range of committed services and partner organisations in local authority areas across Scotland.

“Covid-19 does not offer abusers an excuse for their choices and their behaviours. Working closely with colleagues across health services and with third sector specialist services, we will continue to robustly seek to provide support to all victims of gender-based violence and to hold perpetrators of violence and abuse firmly to account.”

Kirsty Thomson from the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre said, “We are acutely aware that the coronavirus pandemic can be a particularly challenging time for victims of domestic abuse. The current social distancing measures can exacerbate the abuse that some women already face at home and it can further increase the risk of abuse for others.”

Anyone suffering abuse or who is aware of anyone at risk are advised to contact Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Support is also available 24/7 on Scotland’s domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline (free) on 0800 027 1234. email at [email protected] and web chat at www.sdafmh.org.uk/

In the Western Isles, support is available at Women’s Aid on 01851 704750.