Domestic abuse advice during COVID-19
As Corona virus spreads across the UK, we are being advised to follow government guidelines on social distancing – limiting unnecessary contact, practicing social distancing, working from home. We are beginning to see some community based organisations closing drop ins’s and some local services have already reduced. But what happens if the biggest danger is at home – we understand that for many survivors, isolation at home with a perpetrator is an extremely frightening thought, and a potentially very dangerous time. We know that for some survivors, daily contact with work colleagues, schools and community organisations is a safeguarding lifeline. During this difficult time, there are some practical safety planning steps that you can take and arrange to reduce the risk of harm if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Arrange a safe word and emoji
Speak to a trusted friend/neighbour or family member and arrange a safe word, and a generic emoji that you can text quickly, to alert them that you need them to contact the emergency services on your behalf. Remember to keep your phone topped up, charged an accessible at all times.
Consider a personal safety app if you own a smart phone
Now is a good time to consider downloading a free personal safety app, if you haven’t already done so. We would recommend the ‘Hollie guard’ app, which features a number of silent safeguarding options, including alerting designated contacts if you are in danger with a shake or tap of your smart phone. This app also features a ‘man down’ feature, that will alert designated contacts of potential danger if deceleration, non movement of impact is detected. Again, remember to keep your phone topped up, charged and accessible at all times for this app to be of use.
Consider the layout of your home
If you are in a situation where violence or abuse is starting or escalating, try to keep yourself close to exits, and away from rooms where you are more likely to come to harm. Most kitchens will have knives, kettles, pots and pans all within easy reach that can cause you greater harm. Try to move yourself away from kitchen areas, and consider rooms with secure locks that you can flee to and call for help. If you find yourself in immediate danger and you can exit the house, exit the house. Immediate risk to life comes before state sanctioned isolation.
Now is a good time to contact your GP or pharmacist to make sure you have sufficient amounts of essential medication. If you feel that the perpetrator could hide, damage, get rid of or withhold your medication, secure alternative places in the property if you can to store them. Try to fill your car with petrol if you have one, and if you are in immediate danger and can flee the home, use your car to drive to the nearest police station. Remember, and believe me, an immediate risk to your life comes before isolation. Our emergency services continue to be there to help and support us. Call 999 if you can if you are in danger.
Helpful services
Our local domestic abuse services are still running – although support groups may be temporarily suspended. You can contact the below service, by phone if you need to, for help, support and advice.
WORTH services: 0330 222 8181
My Sisters’ House: 01243 697800
Our Stronger Futures drop-ins can be accessed by phone, or through our new live online chat service.
Thursdays 5pm - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm
Remember you are not alone. We are available to talk, and discuss safety planning in detail by phone. If you normally access our DA peer Support group, but cannot due to self isolation and would like a supportive phone call, please let us know. Ask your family and friends to check up on you. We understand, and we are here.
Faye Mills May – Service Manager, Stronger Futures
BBC Radio Sussex
Faye was on BBC Radio Sussex talking about domestic abuse throughout the crisis and what you can do to help keep yourself safe during this time. You can listen to it here.