Five domestic violence resources if you need support

There was a significant increase in the number of domestic violence remedy applications in 2020, up 17% from 2019.

Alongside this, data shows that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a rise in reported cases of domestic violence.

During this difficult time, should you need any support, here are some of the places you are able to find support in the UK.

Refuge

Refuge is a charity that supports men, children and men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services, including their 24/7 domestic hotline on 0808 2000 247.

They also have a live chat available on weekdays.

They are able to offer advice and support, as well as talk to you if you know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse.

Women’s Aid

Women’s Aid work specifically to protect women and children from domestic abuse, with their resources in a number of different languages, including British Sign Language.

You can communicate with them through a chat service or email, and they also provide a number of informational documents.

NCDV

The National Centre for Domestic Violence is a free service supporting people getting legal injunctions against an abusive partner or family member.

There are some eligibility criteria, which you are able to see on their website.

They are reachable on 0800 970 2070, or by texting NCDV on 60777.

Revenge porn helpline

Through the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen revenge porn cases - wherein sexual imagery is shared without the person involved consent - rise by over 22 per cent.

If you have experienced this and need support, the Government funded helpline are available through email on help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk.

Men’s Advice Line

The Men’s Advice Line exists to support male victims of domestic abuse free of charge.

They are reachable through a telephone service on weekdays - on 08088010327 - and through email and webchat, too.

While this is a scary time, the lifting of restrictions and return to a more normal time is a good sign, with Hannah Gumbrill-Ward, Solicitor at Winckworth Sherwood saying: “Looking forward to the year ahead, we predict people will no longer be locked down together in toxic or abusive relationships and will be able to start rebuilding their lives independently as the world rebuilds and finds its new normal.”