Chapter 6: Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives
Impact of the pandemic on the risk of domestic abuse
"I couldn't meet friends or family at first as I live alone, and bubbles hadn't been invented. My daughter is a looked after child and I couldn't see her at all. I ended up going back to an abusive ex."
Service user, Tyneside Women's Health
For some people, having to stay at home increased the risk of experiencing domestic abuse.28 Lockdown, and social distancing restrictions, enabled abusive partners to exert more control, which led those experiencing domestic abuse to feel more isolated and vulnerable, and seeking support more difficult.
The picture around domestic abuse is complex. Between April 2020 and March 2021, the number of police incidents in Gateshead, classed as domestic, increased by almost a quarter on the previous year.29 Gateshead Council's Domestic Abuse Team saw 13% more domestic abuse referrals between March 2020 to July 2020. However, over the longer period, March 2020 to February 2021, referrals were 8.4% lower compared to the previous year.
Over the last 18 months we have seen a lower level of referrals coming into the service in comparison to last year. Lack of 'space for action' (reduced opportunities to see family and friends, access services and find options to leave abusive relationships) has led to fewer referrals, leading to concerns for those individuals who may have been living at home with their abuser during the pandemic.
High risk victims have been the upward trend during this time. Evidenced-based data shows a significant increase in allocation rates (where cases are picked up by the service) and longer-term intervention rates.
Beverley Coombs, Team Manager Specialist Support Team, Gateshead Council
Next - Chapter 7: Create fair employment and good work for all