Domestic abuse calls across England and Wales rose dramatically by 64% between April and June 2020 according to figures from the national Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Over 40,000 calls were made regarding domestic abuse support over the three-month time frame, double what was reported between January and March.
This increase saw the Helpline receive a frightening 444 domestic abuse related calls a day – far more than the 270 calls per-day in the opening three months of the year.
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is operated by Refuge is a UK independent, specialist charity who support women feeling domestic abuse and gender violence.
Last year’s National Lockdown’s have caused the dire circumstances in which people have become victims of domestic abuse, with people trapped at home in potentially dangerous situations.
A 700% increase in National Domestic Abuse Helpline web platform visits were also recorded in the Spring months of 2020, with 210,632 total visits.
50% of Women believed domestic abuse got worse since COVID-19 began, Women’s Aid Survivor Survey.
Between April and June 2020 64,000 arrests were made involving domestic abuse in England and Wales, Women’s Aid Survivor Survey.
Over 400 calls are made each day regarding domestic abuse support, National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Concerns over 2020’s domestic abuse figures have subsequently prompted the Government into action, with The Domestic Abuse Act passed in April 2021 to help protect those who experience domestic abuse as well strengthen measures to tackle perpetrators across England and Wales.
The act has emphasised the types of domestic abuse to no longer just cover physical violence, but now also criminalises emotional, coercive, controlling and financial abuse.
“this landmark act will transform the support we offer.”
Priti patel, UK Home secretary
Home Secretary Priti Patel vowed to tackle domestic abuse; “I am determined to work tirelessly to keep vulnerable people safe and bring crime down.”
“This landmark act will transform the support we offer across society.”
Roughly 55% of Domestic abuse perpetrators consumed alcohol prior to the assault, according to the World Health Organisation – and in the United Kingdom, supermarket sales of alcohol increase by 63% as at home drinking increased.
Courts are now able to help perpetrators to change their behaviour by offering mental health support or drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Whilst Police now have the power to provide victims with immediate protection from abusers.
