JOHN Campion, the Police Crime Commissioner (PCC) for West Mercia, has moved to remind people of the dangers faced of victims of domestic abuse who face quarantine with their victims during the coronavirus outbreak.
As more people are being encouraged to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Mr Campion is asking people to be mindful of those who do not see home as a safe place.
With guidance changing daily, isolation is not an easy solution for everyone – victims of domestic abuse are potentially facing quarantine for weeks, or months, with their perpetrators.
With many people across West Mercia facing that prospect, the PCC is reminding those suffering that there is still support available for them.
He said: "said: This pandemic is causing worries and concerns for a number of us.
"Domestic abuse victims are facing an additional worry at the thought of being told to spend every day at home for the foreseeable future.
"There are a number of things we can all be doing to help these people. If you have offered support to a neighbour to get their shopping, have you also considered providing your number to be a friendly ear?
“Support services are still available to provide support online or on the phone, so I am imploring victims to speak out if they can and seek help.
"I will play my part in ensuring that I continue to support these services to allow them to provide urgent aid to those that need it. I will also make sure that West Mercia Police has the resources they need to tackle this crime and protect those at risk.”
While face-to-face meetings with support workers will naturally become harder to arrange, there is still online and phone-line support available.
The PCC is also encouraging those that still can, to consider alternative places of safety for them to stay in should they face isolation – be that a safe house, or a family member of friend’s home.
Help can be found at:
Women’s Aid Helpline for Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin – 0800 783 1359 http://www.westmerciawomensaid.org/
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WMRSASC) https://www.wmrsasc.org.uk/services/live-chat-helpline/
Victim Advice Line https://victimadviceline.org.uk/
Phone number – 0800 952 3000
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