At the end of April, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Humberside, Keith Hunter, launched a social media campaign to raise awareness of the support services available for those affected by Domestic Abuse.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, the risks of domestic abuse are heightened and with many support services having to review their ways of working, it is important to reinforce the message that all of them are still operating, ready to hear from those affected and can help.
The campaign message “Can’t Wait For This To Be Over – Lockdown is no excuse for abuse” and associated messages have been developed by the PCC’s Office in conjunction with local marketing agency Eskimo Soup and stakeholders including the Domestic Abuse leads in each of the local authority areas and specialist service The Blue Door which is commissioned by the PCC.
Keith Hunter said: “In the current COVID-19 lockdown, people affected by Domestic Abuse may be at further risk due to being in constant close proximity with their abuser. We know that there is a clear escalation of risk at this time and the lockdown could also influence new instances of Domestic Abuse where there were none previously as relationships come under strain. If anyone is affected or at risk, it is important to raise awareness that support is available and continuing to operate. The campaign will run for four weeks with sponsored messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and a webpage www.youarenotalone.online which provides contact details for all support services across Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire.
Visit the PCC website to find out more about the campaign.
Support in North East Lincolnshire
Women’s Aid NEL (supporting men and women) 01472 575757 / support@womensaidnel.org
The Blue Door Domestic and Sexual Abuse Service 0800 197 4787
For children and families safeguarding concerns contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub 01472 326292 Option 2 or report concerns online at www.nelincs.gov.uk/children-and-families
For adult safeguarding advice and concerns contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256 256
Support everywhere
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can’t speak, press 55 on your mobile or remain silent on your landline while the operator is on the line.
If you are at risk of stalking, contact Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service 020 3866 4107 / info@paladinservice.co.uk
Resources
New resources have been produced recently via Women’s Aid for survivors and relatives/carers. Take a look at them here and share them as appropriate. https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-and-support-resources/
Rail To Refuge
Also, as of 30 April 2020, any woman who needs to travel to find refuge from domestic violence can do so for free on any UK train. Email railtorefuge@womensaid.org.uk to access. There is plenty of information about this scheme on the FAQ page here https://www.womensaid.org.uk/rail-to-refuge-faqs/