Police and charities are calling on people experiencing domestic abuse not to suffer in silence during the coronavirus lockdown.

The number of people calling the UK wide National Domestic Abuse helpline has reportedly risen 25% over recent weeks.

However, the homelessness and domestic abuse charity Llamau say the number of reports received by Gwent and South Wales Police has dropped over the same period.

Campaigners have warned that social restrictions could heighten domestic tensions in households and cut off escape routes for those suffering abuse.

A spokeswoman for Llamau said: “South Wales and Gwent Police have both reported a major drop in the number of domestic abuse related incidents, this is a worrying sign.

“It’s likely we won’t see a rise until after this is over. Unfortunately, people living with abuse will probably continue to live with it on a much worse scale during this time.”

Llamau offers a range of advice and support on their website, including on how to stay safe while living in an abusive situation.

The charity has also reported that their refuges are currently full, and it hasn’t taken any new cases for more than a week.

Gwent Police has also urged people to continue to seek support. A force spokesman said: “We recognise that home is not a sanctuary for everyone, and we are urging people who are affected by domestic abuse to reach out.

“We need victims of domestic abuse to know we are here for them. If you feel hurt, isolated, frightened or controlled, reach out to us.

“There is support that we, together with our partner agencies, can provide, but please do not suffer in silence.”

Welsh Women’s Aid maintain their 24-hour Welsh Government funded ‘Live Fear Free’ helpline which offers support to survivors and those who are concerned about other people.

The service also offers an online chat and text options for those who are unable to call.

Dawn Jeffery, Director of Welsh Women’s Aid, said: “We want survivors to know that they are not alone during this time. Specialist support is still there to support you.

“While our member services are having to adapt the ways that they can offer survivors their lifesaving support in line with the Covid-19 crisis, they are doing sterling work to keep services, including refuge and therapeutic support, available to survivors.

“We are working with the Welsh Government and others to ensure they support services to remain open and operational.”

Ann Williams, the manager of ‘Live Fear Free’ helpline, said: “Some callers are mentioning that Covid-19 is exacerbating the situation at home and we are likely to see this increase as the lockdown measures continue.

“Abusers who are already controlling, will use the measures to extend their control and we are likely to see increases in physical violence also occurring.

“With limited social interactions and opportunities to go outside, there is limited opportunity for survivors to access support from friends and families, or for them to witness the abuse being perpetrated.

“While survivors and others are continuing to contact us, we are really concerned some survivors may not be able to make calls while in self isolation with abusers and we want them to know that webchat and text options are available to those that may find this an easier form of contact.”

The ‘Live Fear Free’ Helpline is available on 0808 80 10 800, a text service available on 07800 77333, and its online services available here.

The organisation is also encouraging friends, families and community groups, such as volunteer food schemes, to be aware of the signs of abuse and know that they can also get advice from the helpline if they are concerned about an individual.

Hefin David, AM for Caerphilly, said: “It’s desperately sad that not every home is a place of safety.

“Domestic abuse goes under the radar a lot of the time, but we must continue to talk about it publicly, in order to ensure victims of are aware of the options they have to support them. 

“If you can’t talk in safety, but you need help immediately, police across Wales will respond to a silent 999 call – dial 999 followed by 55 to indicate that you can’t talk, but need help. 

“Let’s not forget that this isn’t something experienced by women alone. Men suffering abuse at home you can contact the Dyn helpline free on 0808 8010 321 or by visiting their website.”

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