Fears as domestic abuse in Northamptonshire rises but calls for help plummet

Domestic abuse incidents have risen in Northamptonshire during the coronavirus lockdown but the number of victims asking for help has dropped sharply.

Northamptonshire Police says it has seen a ten per cent increase the week ending April 19, compared to the same period the year before.

In seven days police responded to 344 domestic abuse incidents in the county incidents compared to 292 twelve months previously.

However, director of Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Services (NDAS) Rachel Duncan says calls to the charity have fallen by 60 per cent during the lockdown leading to fears victims feel unable to seek help safely.

She says the dramatic drop is ‘very worrying’ and thinks the decrease in victims calling their hotline is down to being unable to do so safely while being contained with their abusers.

In the six weeks since people were ordered to stay home, NDAS has received two thirds less calls than average, receiving just 20 calls a week in April. This compares to pre-lockdown average weekly call rate of 36.

Rachel Duncan said: “I’m incredibly concerned. I know that nationally we have seen an increase in domestic abuse incidents, but we have seen a massive drop in calls to our advice line.

“We had a call from a woman when she had gone out to walk the dog, as this had been the only occasion where the abuser had not gone out with her.

“Alot of victims are being monitored in terms of their social media use. For us it is about how do we find ways that people can contact us.”

This week in a bid to find new methods of helping victims get in touch, the charity has launched an online chat service.

It has also met with key partners this week, including representatives from the districts and borough councils and public health, to try and come up with a coordinated local campaign that can get key messages across.

Northamptonshire Detective Chief Inspector Andy Glenn, the force lead for adult safeguarding, said: “We knew the current restrictions to help prevent the spread of the virus were likely to impact on reports of domestic abuse. We are closely monitoring the situation and taking swift action when responding to incidents to ensure the safety of victims and any children present.

“We are making follow-up calls to victims to check their safety and wellbeing and we are also calling perpetrators on bail with a view to preventing further offences. Tackling domestic abuse remains a force priority and we are working with our partners to ensure victims and witnesses are well supported and are given the appropriate help and guidance. Once again, I urge people to keep an eye out for their neighbours and for anybody affected to get help. There is a wealth of support available.”

Rachel Duncan said anecdotally the charity’s call operators had reported an increase in calls made from third parties who were worried about a relative, friend or neighbour.

There are also fears for children’s safety as while the schools are closed, children do not have the opportunity to speak with a teacher or adult or have safeguarding procedures in place.

After many years of funding cuts to domestic abuse services the government has this year put extra funding into the sector.

NDAS has received £330,000 to help provide safe accommodation for victims, which is part of more than £500,000 to recently come into the county for domestic abuse services. The charity has recruited a new staff member who will specifically work with children who have been affected by domestic abuse and this week eight new support staff have joined the team.

During the lockdown there has been an increase in domestic abuse killings according to the project Counting Dead Women.

If you are suffering domestic abuse you can contact NDAS at www.ndas.co or call 0300 0120154.