Domestic abuse – support is available

Charities have seen an increase in the number of people needing support for domestic abuse during lockdown.

There are 2.4 million victims of domestic abuse reported every year in the UK and two thirds are women. Domestic abuse charity, Hestia said the number of people accessing its support line increased 38% during the first six months of lockdown.

There is support available for victims and charities have been raising awareness providing support for those who need it most.

This week sees the launch of ‘No More Week’ which is an initiative coinciding with International Women’s Day. It aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and is one of many initiatives providing support to victims.

SAFE SPACES

Pharmacies across the UK have designated ‘safe spaces’ available on request. High street pharmacies including Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug, the Well pharmacies and other independent stores are part of the initiative.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can ask for a safe space at a pharmacy counter. A member of staff will take you to a consultation room where you can make a call to a helpline, support service or family member.  The charity is urging people to share information about safe spaces on their social channels during awareness week.

Lyndsey Dearlove, head of domestic abuse prevention at Hestia and Head of UK Says No More, said:

“As lockdown measures continue to have an impact on everyday life, we know it is vital for victims of domestic abuse to continue to have access to specialist support. That is why we have continued to grow our Safe Spaces initiative to nearly 5,000 pharmacies across the UK.

“Our foundations with businesses and community pharmacies have enabled us to work alongside the Home Office to provide a long-term commitment to supporting domestic abuse victims.

“Although we are in a period of lockdown and isolation, our message to victims is domestic abuse services are open, and we can help you.”

BRIGHT SKY APP

Hestia and Vodafone have developed an app for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or for those worried about somebody else.

The providers say that user should only download the app onto a secure phone which the abuser does not have access to.

It provides useful advice and contact details for UK helplines operating on a 24-hour basis.

COMPENSATION

If you are a victim of domestic violence you may be eligible for compensation.

Our personal injury solicitors have experience in domestic abuse cases.  We can guide you through the claims process and submit your application for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), which is a government body set up to deal with claims.

You must report your injuries to the police and keep as much evidence as possible. The general rule is, you have two years from the incident to apply for compensation, and there are exceptions for children.

For more information, contact NV Legal for a FREE confidential consultation:

Call – 03330 112732

Email – info@nvlegal.co.uk

Website – www.nvlegal.co.uk

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USEFUL LINKS

If you are a victim of domestic violence or are concerned about somebody these links provide advice and support:

https://www.hestia.org/

https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/campaign/domesticviolencebill/

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuse

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/