LISTEN: Coronavirus lockdown means it's ‘prime-time’ for domestic abusers, a charity warns.

By Brett Campbell

Coronavirus lockdown means its ‘prime-time’ for domestic abusers with NI victims at greater risk, a charity has warned.

Sonya McMullan from Women’s Aid Federation NI says staff and volunteers have had to adapt their working routines in order to stay open.

But she’s concerned that those stuck at home with their abuser are at serious risk with at least 10 women murdered in the UK since lockdown began.  

“Domestic violence kills - that’s just the reality,” Ms McMullan said.

“So we are very much still open and are trying to find innovative ways to keep in touch with our service users, the reality is that those living with a perpetrator will find it harder to access help.”

“We’ve been working with the PSNI, executive ministers and all relevant agencies since the UN published a report urging all governments to prioritise the safety of women and children.”

The charity has nine branches across Northern Ireland and three new crash pads in Derry/Londonderry, Ballymena and Belfast designed to be compatible with social distancing guidelines. 

Ms McMullan said demand was high before the crisis, but it's more of an issue now with restrictions in place. 

She’s calling for a “community and societal response” to a problem which accounted for 16% of all crimes committed in Northern Ireland last year. 

“It’s up to all of us to check in with friends and neighbours - especially if you know anyone at risk,” she said.

“Everyone needs to be vigilant during this difficult time.”

The charity worker says victims of domestic violence should also take steps to protect themselves.

“Have a safe room and don’t go into garages or sheds or areas where there are sharp objects,” she warned.

“If you can access the Nexus NI helpline then you should do so, but if not try and use the web chat service or reach out on WhatsApp.

“You might even consider passing a note to a delivery person as a last resort.”

Interaction with some services has already decreased due to those living with their abusers having less freedom.

“It’s prime-time for perpetrators who control their partner’s movements at the best of times, Ms McMullan said.

“Unfortunately the danger will only escalate as lockdown continues.

“With less people presenting to hospital and going to their GPs following attacks it will be harder for the police and medical professionals to spot those at risk and intervene.”

Northern Ireland's justice minister Naomi Long has urged anyone subjected to domestic abuse not to suffer in silence as she insisted steps have been taken to ensure helplines are being manned 24 hours a day.

The plea comes after the charity Nexus NI revealed it has seen a 13% rise in calls, on top of a 27% rise in the first week of April.

The number of visits to the domestic and sexual abuse website has doubled.

"All too often, rather than being a haven, for those living with abusive partners or family members, home is a place of hurt and of fear," Ms Long said.

"And while the focus has been on fighting Covid-19, I want anyone who is feeling afraid within their own home because of domestic abuse to know that they have not been forgotten."

The 24-hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline can be contacted on 0808 802 1414 with non-verbal access is available via web and instant message access. 

In an emergency you can opt for the 'silent solution' by calling 999 and pressing 55 when prompted.

For information on Women's Aid visit www.womensaidni.org or call 028 9024 9041, and for the Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) visit www.mapni.co.uk or call 028 9024 1929.