How Leicestershire Police is helping to keep victims of domestic support save during the lockdown

A women’s support group has praised Leicestershire’s civilian police chief for handing them over £100,000 to combat domestic abuse.

Pamela Richardson, chief executive of Women's Aid Leicestershire, has thanked the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach.

"We are delighted to have support from Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach in these challenging times when home is not a good place to be if you are living with domestic abuse,” said Pamela.

"We want all victims to know we are here for anybody who needs us.

She spoke amid fears that reports of domestic abuse nationally are rocketing amid the coronavirus lockdown.

“We are committed to working with new partners to offer accommodation and a place of safety in this time of increased need.

"We know the Government's advice on self or household-isolation is having a direct impact on those individuals and their children who are experiencing domestic abuse,” said Pamela.

“Fears over jobs, financial pressure and schools closure, working from home and all the other changes to our day-to-day lives are increasing domestic abuse incidents.

"If you have B&B accommodation, we would love to hear from you.

“For an informal discussion or to find out more information, please contact us at [email protected]

"Together we can save lives."

Demand for Leicestershire's domestic abuse help and support services is set to spike as victims are forced to spend more time alone with their abusers in isolation.

Lord Bach, who lives near Lutterworth, said: "It's my duty to protect all vulnerable people within our community.

“I'm determined to ensure victims and survivors of domestic abuse get access to all the help and support they need to protect their safety in this crisis.”

The former Harborough district councillor added: "My team and I are doing everything possible to cope with the additional pressure on these services.

“These emergency funds, which amount to almost £104,000, will help our service providers come to the aid of those living in fear from a partner and take necessary action to protect them."

Social distancing measures imposed to stem the spread of Covid-19 are forcing households to spend more time together.

Health professionals fear this will increase tensions due to closer living proximity, increased stress as a result of financial and job worries, poorer mental health and increase the ability for offenders to exert control and isolate their victims.

Lord Bach is investing in additional accommodation for victims of domestic abuse.

He is also diverting funds from other projects into services which help vulnerable people cope with the increased fear and anxiety they face during the lockdown.

Lord Bach has set aside £15,000 for Women's Aid Leicestershire Ltd (WALL) to provide emergency B&B accommodation as additional short-term refuge provision.

He’s also earmarking a further £58,000 to the service to deliver eight spaces in longer-term refuge accommodation.

The PCC continues to work with providers and partners to assess current pressures and ensure support is in place long-term.

"I want to send out a clear message to anyone feeling vulnerable or fearful of abuse and violence during these unprecedented times that we are ready to help if you need it.

“You are not alone," insisted Lord Bach.

"The safety of vulnerable victims and their children is paramount to me.

“I'm doing everything I can to make sure the services you need are available right now.

“You do not need to wait until lockdown is over.

"I would urge proprietors of Bed & Breakfast accommodation to consider joining us to offer support at this time, which we are funding.

"The providers I fund are working around the clock and finding new ways to help amid the social distancing restrictions.

“Others are diverting their resources to help those impacted by violence.

“Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need help.

“If you believe a neighbour or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, take action and raise your concerns."

If you would like to offer bed & breakfast accommodation then please contact WALL on [email protected]

If you or someone you know are scared about being in the house with your partner during this unsettling time, call support service UAVA for help, advice and support on 0808 802 0028.

But always call 999 for the police if you or someone in your house is in danger.