We know that COVID-19 will have a serious impact on the lives of women, children and men who are experiencing domestic abuse. Fears over jobs, financial pressures, school closures, working from home and all the other current changes to our day to day lives are likely to result in an increase in domestic abuse incidents.
If you are already living with domestic abuse, then the restrictions put in place while the government tries to slow the spread of the virus have probably left you fearful for being isolated in the house with your abuser and as if there is nowhere to go for help.
You may not be able to see the friends and family who usually support you, and some of the places where you go for help or treatment may be closed or offering a reduced services. Please remember that you can still call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.
While some domestic abuse support services are not able to offer face to face meetings at this time, there is still help and advice available online and over the phone. These local and national organisations are working hard to ensure they can still support you:
Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service – 0330 0165 112
Stop Domestic Abuse (Portsmouth) – 02392 065494
Aurora New Dawn – 02392 479254
Yellow Door (Southampton) – 02380 636313
PIPPA (Southampton) – 02380 917917
You Trust (Isle of Wight) – 0800 2346 266
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 8010 327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship please call Childline on 0800 1111.