The fight against COVID-19 has resulted in the Government announcing stringent restrictions which are impacting significantly on individual’s day to day lives. On 23rd March 2020, the Prime Minister imposed ‘lockdown’ restrictions which meant that we are all being told to stay home, away from others, except those we live with. One of the unfortunate consequences of these measures is that victims of domestic violence are being made to quarantine with their abusers.
What does this mean for victims of domestic abuse?
Domestic Violence has always been a problem that needs resolving. According to the World Health Organisation, one in three women around the world experience physical or sexual violence, mostly from an intimate partner. Domestic violence is now an issue that is being exacerbated as a result of COVID-19. Professionals are worried that the stringent restrictions will unintentionally cause domestic violence to increase.
Statistics show that during last weekend, the use of the UKs National Abuse hotlines reported an increase of 65% in calls to the helpline.
Domestic violence charities and support organisations
COVID-19 is likely to fuel violence in homes, no doubt influenced by rising unemployment rates and the additional stress felt by all. Professionals predict that mental health and substance misuse issues will be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which often lead to an increase in domestic abuse incidents. Furthermore, there are concerns that the current pandemic is going to be used as an opportunity for perpetrators of domestic abuse to control their victims, preventing them from leaving their home and getting support.
Domestic Violence Professionals have not been classified as keyworkers. Professionals have asked the Prime Minister to ‘urgently reconsider’ this classification and consider implementing emergency funding to provide support to the charities that provide lifeline services for victims of violence in their home. Such charities and support organisations help people in danger to escape domestic abuse during the crisis.
It has been argued that if the Government fail to prepare and plan, then more victims will continue to suffer or even die.
The numbers murdered by a partner or ex-partner are set to rise dramatically. Statistics show that already they have doubled from two women murdered every week to four during lockdown. China saw a threefold increase in domestic abuse.
Refuges – how they can help
The Government have confirmed that women can leave violent households to go to a refuge during lockdown.
Refuges offer support to women, children and men concerned about domestic violence in their life.
Refuges have been in a difficult situation of having to make judgements about whether they are able to offer their services that are safe. Regrettably, some refuges have had to close due to the ongoing pandemic, whilst others remain open.
Victims must contact support organisations
Victims of domestic abuse must keep in regular contact with domestic violence charities and they must be fully supported.
There are fewer ways for victims to report abuse during this time. Two main ways are either by telephone or email.
If you are worried about domestic violence, the below contacts are available to help:
Refuge: www.refuge.org.uk
The National Domestic Violence Helpline: This helpline is available 24 hours a day. Contact 0808 2000 247 for support.
How can Rothera Bray help protect you?
Many people believe that the Police are the only authority that are able to offer protection from such abuse. However, in certain circumstances the Family Court also have the power to grant protective Orders, more commonly known as injunctions, to prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from contacting or abusing the victim further.
There are two type of injunctions that the Family Court can Order under the Family Law Act 1996:
A Non-Molesation Order
This can prohibit your partner, former partner or associated person from being violent or threatening violence to you or any children. It can also prohibit that person from contacting you directly or indirectly and/or prohibit them from coming within 100 metres of any property where you might be living.
An Occupation Order
This allows the court to decide who should live, or not live, in the family home. It can exclude a person from the family home and/or the area surrounding the home. An occupation order can also grant you permission to return to the home even after you have fled the house due to the abuse. The Court can also impose other orders and conditions, including who is to pay the rent or mortgage.
Why use Rothera Bray for injunctions?
We can apply for an injunction on an urgent basis to ensure your protection as soon as possible. If we feel it is appropriate, we can make an application to court to seek an ex-parte (without notice) Order without your abuser even knowing. This can then protect you until the court can decide to grant an injunction in the longer term.
It had been agreed with the President of the Family Division that Domestic Abuse injunctions under the Family Law Act, falls under a Family business priority as work that the Court must continue to undertake. This is because these are classified as Urgent Orders.
Our team are skilled advocates who are able to represent you throughout the court hearings as well as preparing the application and statements, ensuring you get the continuity and support you need.
We have strong relationships with the likes of Women’s Aid and men’s support services and work with these organisations to ensure you receive the appropriate support.
Right now, we need to look after those most vulnerable in our society. Neighbours needs to be aware and vigilant of possible domestic violence. Staying home does not mean cutting ourselves off from the community.
Contact us – we’re here to help you
This publication is intended for general guidance only. If you find yourself in a position where you think you need an injunction, our experienced Family Law Solicitors will be on hand to help you make that application and represent you at Court hearings.
Call us on 03456 465 465 today. You can also contact us by email: enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
