As lockdown eases, Refuge sends message to women and girls experiencing domestic abuse: You are not alone
As lockdown eases across the country, Refuge sends message to women and girls experiencing domestic abuse: You are not alone
Lisa King, Refuge director of communications and external relations said:
‘Today restrictions on lockdown will be further eased across the country. The past year will have been an isolating and frightening time for many thousands of women living with abusive partners. Many women will have been unable to reach out for support. Yet at Refuge we’ve never been busier. Since the start of lockdown, Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline and associated services have seen an on average increase of 61% of calls and contacts logged – a huge upsurge in activity – and we don’t expect that to change in the weeks and months to come.
“As restrictions are lifted, many more women will have what could be their first opportunity in months to access support. We want women to know that Refuge has a range of services to support them – our freephone 24/7, confidential Helpline, live chat, emergency refuge accommodation and community services. Refuge supports over 7,000 women and children on any given day – 6,000 of whom access our community services and of that number over 1,500 are living with the perpetrator. Our message to women is clear – whatever form of abuse you are experiencing, whatever your needs, contact us and we’ll listen and support you. #YouAreNotAlone.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Interviews available on request. For more information contact press@refuge.org.uk.
About Refuge:
Refuge supports more than 7,000 women and children on any given day, and runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is the gateway to accessing specialist support across the country. More than one in four women in England and Wales experiences domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.
Please signpost to Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in a webform and request a safe time to be contacted or to access live chat (live chat available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday). For real time automated guidance on how to secure your personal devices Refuge also has a Tech Safety Tool.