For thousands of women and children across the UK, home is the most dangerous place to be during lockdown. Since March 2020, in what the UN called a ‘shadow pandemic’, reports of domestic abuse have increased in the wake of lockdowns around the world. The increased public understanding of domestic abuse during lockdown has also led to women recognising their partner’s behaviour as abusive for the first time. Domestic abuse is not just physical – it is a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour that encompasses emotional, psychological, sexual and economic abuse. As awareness of the issue increases, so too does the number of women who recognise their relationship in other survivors’ stories.
Since March 2020, Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline saw a record increase in calls and contacts from women, their loved ones, and professionals in the sector. The increase in contacts peaked during the first lockdown in April, but remained high all year, increasing again during the November lockdown. Between April 2020 and February 2021, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline logged 61% more calls and contacts from women per month than during the baseline months of January-March 2020. Sadly, these are only the women who have reached out. We know that there are thousands more who have not yet asked for help, still trapped with their abuser.
Children living with violence in the home respond to their circumstances in many different ways. They may feel frightened, insecure and confused. Often, they learn to keep their feelings and fears to themselves – they may feel like the violence in their home life must be kept secret. With support, children can begin to cope with and make sense of what has happened in their families. They can overcome the trauma of witnessing or experiencing violence and go on to live safe, happy lives. Refuge believes that no child should have to live with fear or abuse. Our specialist staff understand the complex ways in which domestic violence can affect children. We can support them to rebuild their lives.
Perpetrators of violence against women and girls (VAWG) increasingly misuse technology by harassing, stalking, intimidating, impersonating, controlling and manipulating women and children. Usual solutions by state agencies include disconnecting the survivor from online accounts and devices, which compound the isolation for this vulnerable group and can lead to fear of technology.
Through frontline work with survivors of VAWG, Refuge identified trends around perpetrators’ use of technology, which included: installing ‘Spyware’ on mobile phones, hiding trackers in toys, tracking location via gaming consoles and online accounts, ‘revenge porn’, impersonation online, including credit card fraud, and harassment via Smart Home systems or relentless instant messages.
Ann’s* Story
Ann* came to Refuge three years after she separated from her abusive ex-partner. When they were together he had been psychologically abusive and used to gaslight Ann. He moved her car, and when she reported it as stolen and the police arrived, he implied it was her poor mental health at fault.
She was frustrated as she felt the perpetrator was continuing to have control over her and her four-year-old daughter, Ava*, who seemed very affected by his behaviour and the current child contact.
The abuser was taking her to court to enforce and change a child arrangement order. This was a continual behaviour pattern, taking her back to court every three months. She felt like she was constantly on eggshells with parenting and was very worried about going back to court, which she couldn’t afford.
The Refuge Advocacy team referred the case to Children’s Social Services due to ongoing concerns around the child contact. We also advocated to other professionals about the concerns around child contact, with Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) becoming involved.
Delays in accessing legal aid were causing Ann distress. The Refuge Advocate liaised with the solicitor on her behalf, supported her to present evidence of the ongoing abuse to her solicitor, and attended hearings with her for emotional support.
Since engaging with Refuge, Ann now has legal representation, and CAFCASS is completing a report. The reports from professionals involved in the case were taken into consideration by the judge and child contact was reduced, while CAFCASS finish their report. This is what Ann had hoped for, and it has eased the stress on both her and Ava.
The case is ongoing and the next hearing is scheduled for early 2021.
*names changed to protect identity
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