I was fortunate to be invited to join the London Assembly's Domestic Abuse during COVID-19 event in October.
We heard from:
- Jane Keeper, Director of Operations at Refuge who highlighted the immediate and unexpected challenges caused by the pandemic for domestic abuse survivors and support providers, including the sudden closure of court services, the postponement of criminal trials and the safe operation of refuges.
- Mark Brooks OBE, Chair of ManKind who said that more capacity is urgently needed for all victims of domestic abuse including male and LGBT+ victims. He highlighted that there is no safe house in London for male victims of domestic abuse.
- Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM who spoke about the measures being pushed for in the Assembly, such as calling on the Mayor to use spare hotel space to house survivors of domestic abuse. She also spoke about the London Assembly’s longstanding campaign for a register for serial stalkers and abusers.
- Penny East, Head of Communication SafeLives who said that lockdown has created huge additional challenges for victims and families to get support. She highlighted SafeLives’ research which shows that two thirds of people currently living in an abusive situation have said that lockdown has prevented them from getting support they need.
- Brenda Edwards, singer, actress and television personality who spoke bravely about her own experience as a survivor of domestic abuse and the long-lasting impact this continues to have on her life.
- Nicole Jacobs, the Designate Domestic Abuse Commissioner who spoke about her new role which has been created by the Government as part of the Domestic Abuse Bill which is going through Parliament. Nicole told us that for the first time there will be a statutory definition of domestic abuse and that children will now be legally considered as victims of domestic abuse in its broader definition. Nicole’s role will be key in reducing the patchy nature of provision across England and Wales and I wish her the best of luck in her work.
Important links for more information and support:
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. If you, or someone you know, have been affected by domestic abuse or violence you can find more information about the organisations that may be able to help online https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3FQFSnx6SZWsQn3TJYYlFNy/information-and-support-domestic-abuse
