What Yorkshire police are doing to help victims of domestic violence during lockdown

Home for many women and men may not be the sanctuary it is for others and Yorkshire's police forces have said they will take a hard line on any reports of abuse, be it physical or psychological, while extending help available to victims.

The region's four police forces have each issued statements and details of how they will support any victims for whom home may not be a safe space during this period of isolation.

Meanwhile, charity Women's Aid has reiterated that coronavirus 'does not cause abuse – abusers do'.

It comes as Priti Patel last week said victims of domestic abuse will still be allowed to leave home to seek help under the new restrictions.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, the Home Secretary said: "I am acutely aware that the necessary guidelines about social distancing and self-isolation may leave the victims of hidden crime, such as domestic abuse and child sexual abuse, feeling especially isolated, vulnerable and exposed."

Addressing perpetrators of abuse, she added: "You will not get away with your crimes."

North Yorkshire Police has launched a resource page on its website with details of around the clock services, refuges and helplines.

Police in Humberside have said they "will not allow vulnerable victims to believe that they are alone during this time" and has reiterated the '55' code, where people dialling 999 but who are unable to speak on the phone can press '55' once the line is open to summon emergency services.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “Anyone who thinks that the social isolation is a free pass for them to behave how they like to people within their household needs to know that we are taking a firm and proactive approach to ensure that this does not happen.

“You will not be able to hide behind the lockdown – domestic abuse continues to be a priority for us and we will continue to act within the full powers of the law to take action against anyone committing domestic abuse. We will not allow vulnerable victims to believe that they are alone during this time and we will take action against anyone who thinks they can get away with committing offences of this nature.

“To anyone that is a victim of domestic abuse, I want to be really clear. We are here for you and we will listen and help you. We are conscious that there may be people out there that are in lockdown with their abuser and therefore may struggle to reach out for help. But there are a number of options available, nobody needs to suffer in silence."

For victims in West Yorkshire, a list of helplines and support services is available on the force's website here.

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said: “It will undoubtedly be a time of heightened worry for victims of domestic abuse and it may seem like you have no escape from your abuser.

“You should be assured; we are here for you and we will remain here for you throughout this period of isolation.

“Despite the ongoing demand from the covid-19 pandemic, domestic abuse remains a priority for West Yorkshire Police and we will support you however we can."

South Yorkshire Police meanwhile is taking a zero-tolerance approach to reports of domestic abuse during the period of social isolation, with a list of services available here.

Superintendent Paul McCurry released a statement on the force's website saying: “We know this is a time of worry for all of us but this may be heightened for those who have suffered or are suffering domestic abuse in any of its forms. The isolation period, in most cases, will mean that you have little to no respite from your abuser and you may be concerned that your reporting mechanisms are now limited. I want to offer you some reassurance.

“I'm writing this to let you know we are here for you and will remain here for you throughout. We have the resources to support you and we will take your report seriously."

The charity Women's Aid launched a live chat service last year for women needing to reach out. You can find more information on this here.

The charity's acting CEO, Nikki Norman, said: "The murder of a woman by her husband is not a 'coronavirus' murder. COVID-19 does not cause homicide – abusers do. Domestic homicides are usually underpinned by a longstanding pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour by the abuser."

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