Are efforts to improve awareness of domestic abuse working?

A wide array of schemes to raise awareness about domestic abuse have been launched in the wake of reports of violence surging during the lockdown.

From staff at Tesco and Boots receiving training to help them identify domestic abuse victims to the new advice line for businesses to support employees living with abusers launched this week, there is arguably far greater awareness of the scourge of domestic violence than there was before lockdown.

Studies have found women currently experiencing domestic abuse say it escalated under lockdown and their abusive partner has more control over their life since the Covid-19 emergency began.

Liz Thompson, of SafeLives, a leading domestic abuse charity, told The Independent: “There is no question there has been a significant increase in awareness around domestic abuse. There is much more acknowledgment of the issue on social media and in the press. The issue crops up in conversation much more. There is much greater awareness in the public consciousness.

“There is more awareness of the importance of reaching in to victims of domestic abuse who may not be able to reach out for support. Everyone has a responsibility to look out for vulnerable people.

“We launched a campaign early in lockdown called ‘Reach In’, which encouraged people to check up on their neighbours. We have been working with banks to train their staff to spot signs of domestic abuse among employees and update their policies, and in some cases to support customers who may be experiencing abuse.

“We are providing advice for people running the Royal Voluntary Service-launched NHS volunteers app.”

Ms Thompson’s comments come as the Everyone’s Business Advice Line, which is being funded by the government, has been launched to help businesses respond to employees who reveal they are being subjected to domestic abuse at home.

Hestia, a domestic abuse charity, said cases of domestic abuse are increasing due to more people working at home in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

A previous Trades Union Congress study found fewer than one in three victims disclose domestic abuse at work due to concerns around “shame” and “privacy”.

Charlotte Kneer, chief executive of Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid refuge, told The Independent a “surprisingly positive aspect” of the public health emergency has been domestic abuse awareness-raising campaigns and the increase in media coverage of the issue.

Ms Kneer, a domestic abuse survivor whose violent partner was jailed for seven years in 2011, said: “This has led to an increase in third-party reports which is heartening. The more we move away from the old fashioned mentality of ‘it’s none of my business’ the better. There is still a lot of work to do to make people more aware of the signs, but gradually words like ‘coercive control’ are being used more as part of everyday language.

“It’s important to remember that domestic abuse starts in small and insidious ways. It may not be obvious immediately when your friend starts a new relationship but if their new partner is constantly texting and asking who they’re with, what time they’ll be home – those are red flags. If your friend used to like going out but suddenly doesn’t unless their partner can come too, this may be a red flag.

“If your friend becomes withdrawn and stops communicating with you, this could be the new partner isolating them. If the new partner does things to make you feel awkward when you’re with them, being stroppy or being over-friendly, this could again be a red flag. If they make you feel awkward you might stop going so isolating your friend. There are many more small signs but you will feel something isn’t quite right but may not be able to put your finger on it.”

Ms Kneer said if this is the case for a friend, relative or colleague, it is important for people to trust their instincts and seek advice.

She added: “You could ask your friend ‘do you feel safe at home?’ This is easier than asking if abuse is happening. Your friend may not recognise the signs themselves, so this is an approach that could start a conversation.”

Any awareness-raising campaign which has helped one person and rescued them from suffering has worked, Ms Kneer said.

Lyndsey Dearlove, who is head of the new advice line for employers at Hestia, said: “Lockdown has meant victims have been away from their place of work, in isolation with their abusers, often with no way to seek support. Now, as more people return to their place of work, employers have a unique role to play in breaking the silence around domestic abuse.

“By providing a free advice line that offers guidance, employers will be able to help their employees and direct them to practical support. When employers take action and respond to domestic abuse, we know it saves lives. For too long domestic abuse has been nobody’s business and it is time it becomes everyone’s business.”