“Covid-19 Does Not Cause Abuse”
“Covid-19 does not cause abuse” – these are the words from Women’s Aid. They have raised concerns that the lockdown will escalate domestic abuse. They state that for many women and men, “home is not a safe haven but a place of terror, not a place to run to but one to try to escape”.
Covid-19 & Domestic Abuse
A lot of couples and families will struggle with the lockdown, having to spend more time with each other than usual and it will often lead to arguments and sometimes, unfortunately, the breakdown of a relationship. However, the lockdown does not cause someone to be abusive. That will already exist and many women and men will be placed in a very difficult position, with no means of escaping the abuse which may also escalate. Deaths suspected to have been caused by domestic abuse have increased to three times higher than the average.
Domestic abusers may also be using the lockdown in order to gain further control over their partner, such as ensuring they cannot go out or using financial concerns such as lack of money or loss of jobs. Emotional abuse is a large part of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour was criminalised in 2015.
Covid-19 & Domestic Abuse – Can I Leave My House?
Despite the lockdown, government guidelines have confirmed that a victim of domestic abuse can leave their house and go to stay with friends, family or a refuge. They can arrange for a friend or family member to collect them if necessary. To avoid any problems with doing this, it may be advisable to report the abuse to the police first, even if you do not wish to take any action. That way, if you do get stopped by the police there will be a record on the police file as to the reason why you are breaching the lockdown.
As well as seeking assistance from the police, applications can also be made for a non-molestation and/or occupation order. A non-molestation order provides protection from abusive behaviour, both physical and emotional including any contact via social media or via third parties. An occupation order confirms who is allowed to live in the family home. It may allow you to move back into the property, particularly if you have children, and provide for your partner to move out and not return.
For further information and help please feel free to give me a call freephone on 0800 011 6666 or email a.wilding@timms-law.com
Useful Links
Womens Aid https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
Refuge https://www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/our-services/outreach/
Derby Women’s Centre http://www.derby-womenscentre.org.uk/what-we-do/domestic-violence-support/
Core Derbyshire https://www.core-derbyshire.com/types-crime/domestic-abuse
Citizens Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/family/gender-violence/domestic-violence-and-abuse-getting-help/
Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/domestic-violence/
Alison Wilding
April 2020