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Concern about children at risk from domestic abuse
Children are more at risk of harm during lockdown as cases of domestic abuse rise, warn family barristers.
With national charity Refuge reporting a 700 per cent increase to its helpline, there is growing concern about the effect on vulnerable children, as schools and centres where issues might usually be detected are not open.
Elizabeth McCallum, a family barrister and co-founder of the legal service Children in the Middle, says there may need to be applications to the courts to manage risks to children.
is needed now More than ever
It comes as Avon and Somerset Police joins a national campaign, which aims to spread the message that there continues to be support available for victims and survivors of domestic abuse despite the current restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Elizabeth McCallum says the protection and care of children is as important as ever during the current crisis. Photo provided by Porcupine PR
McCallum said: “As has been widely reported recently, cases of domestic abuse have risen during the current lockdown restrictions.
“The protection and care of children remains as important as ever during these times and especially in cases where parents are divorcing or separating, and childcare arrangements are being made.
“Where domestic abuse is a feature of a parental relationship, often one of those parents will have to make an application to the court about the care of the children. The court will then investigate and decide whether each parent spending time with the children can be managed safely.”
Domestic abuse comes in many forms. It can involve physical violence, but it can also be psychological through coercive and controlling behaviour.
The national campaign You Are Not Alone aims to highlight that support is still available and urges anyone affected by domestic abuse to come forward.
Chief superintendent Deryck Rees, the force lead for domestic abuse, said: “At the moment we are being asked to stay home to keep ourselves and others safe, but we know that for some people home isn’t necessarily a safe place to be.
“If you are living with someone who is hurting you, threatening you, or doing anything that makes you feel worried or scared then you may feel even more isolated and afraid.
“No one should have to deal with domestic abuse alone. We’re supporting the Government’s #YouAreNotAlone campaign and over the coming weeks we’ll be sharing information about how we, and the many local domestic abuse services in your area, can offer help and support.”
Carol Metters, CEO at Next Link added: “Victims need us now more than ever in these extraordinary times. We know that victims just physically can’t reach out for services and are isolated in their homes or quarantined with their abusive partner.
“We need to get the message out they are not alone and the police and specialist domestic abuse services are working in partnership to ensure they are safe and given the help they need. We know victims who receive help do go on to have safe fulfilling lives.”
Main photo provided by Porcupine PR
Read more: ‘Don’t suffer in silence’ – fears amid rise in domestic abuse calls
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