Fiona Dwyer, CEO of Solace and Hilary Lennox, Barrister of 5 St. Andrews Hill Chambers discuss Domestic Violence during the current COVID 19 Pandemic – 5SAH
‘We are in unprecedented times with COVID-19 and its impact on provision of specialist domestic abuse services. Organisations’ like Solace have had to completely change how they operate, moving services online or provided via telephone as well as ensuring that refuge and other supported accommodation services can stay open to support the most vulnerable victim/survivors and their children. Under normal circumstances, spending time indoors is often unsafe for those experiencing domestic abuse, and other forms of VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls). However, during lockdown the danger to women is exacerbated as they are unable to leave their homes. Survivors are likely to be subject to higher rates of violence and abuse and, as they are increasingly isolated by perpetrators, will find it increasingly difficult to obtain support from family, friends and access local services.’
5 SAH, 7th April 2020
Source: www.5sah.co.uk
