Domestic Violence Awareness Month

21 October 2020

Lorraine O’Brien

For those working in the domestic abuse sector, the increase in reports during the pandemic lockdowns was sadly an all too predictable side effect. Increased abuse is a pattern repeated in many emergencies, whether conflict, economic crisis or during disease outbreaks. The quarantine rules pose a particularly grave challenge; home is not a safe space for some people anyway, but add into the mix family pressure of home schooling and childcare, plus financial squeezes being commonplace, the spike in reports of abuse is horribly unsurprising.

And let us remember, that the nature of domestic abuse means often those suffering are under so much control that making a call is an impossible task. Consider that these alarming figures are only where people have been able to ask for help; there will many more who simply can’t.

 

   Lorraine O'Brien

UNITED IN ACTION

The Government has stepped up by investing in the #YouAreNotAlone campaign, signposting help available for victims in venues such as supermarkets. And as ever, our range of incredibly inspiring partners across the sector have ramped up their resources to offer tailored support for people experiencing abuse. For example, Hestia’s UK Says No More campaign, has resulted in nearly 4000 people using a safe space since it launched in May.

We have also seen innovative support offered by our members to their employees. Lloyds Banking Group has informed staff that if they need to leave home, it will arrange hotel accommodation and help them move. Boots, Morrisons and other pharmacies are providing safe spaces in their shops for customers facing domestic abuse to access support.  

But this spike in calls to helplines and reports of domestic abuse is not limited to the UK.

AN INTERNATIONAL PANDEMIC

International Domestic Violence Awareness Month highlights that tackling this growing scourge on our society must be a global effort because the global stats make for just as sober reading as UK ones.

1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most frequently by an intimate partner. 1 in 2 women killed worldwide were killed by their partners or family in 2017, with 1 in 20 men killed under similar circumstances. And that was before the pandemic. Abuse does not discriminate geographically or biologically.

The UK’s alarming rise in calls for help is mirrored around the world, through Europe, Asia, and South America. In Hubei province, China, domestic violence reports more than tripled in one month in one country, from 47 last year to 162 this year. In Spain, calls to a Catalan government helpline rose by 20% in the first few days of the confinement period; in Cyprus, calls to a similar hotline rose 30% in one week after its first confirmed case of coronavirus.

If we think about extrapolating out that one snapshot, the potential scale is horrifying.

In a glimmer of positivity, Governments the world over are acting and innovating in the face of this unprecedented crisis. In Spain – where citizens can be fined for breaking lockdown rules, the government has told people they will not be fined if they leave home to report abuse. In Italy, a ruling has been passed that demands in situations of domestic abuse, it is the perpetrator that must leave the family home. A perhaps simply policy tweak that also a literal lifesaving gamechanger. Police in India’s Uttar Pradesh, a state which has one of the worst track records on violence against women in the country, have launched a new domestic violence helpline as cases surge. “Suppress corona, not your voice,” was the brilliantly simple but hopefully effective slogan used in local papers.

There is evidence that leaders all over the world recognise action needs taking. Governments tuning in, money being committed, and policy changes being made are all welcome and necessary. But there is another societal layer in place in every country, that can play a crucial role in tackling domestic abuse. Business.

Everyone’s business

The Employers Initiative for Domestic Abuse was founded on the premise that employers have a unique vantage point and are able to provide a private source of invaluable support for employees who may be experiencing abuse; as well as deliver training and education to staff and their sectors on how to spot signs of abuse and help someone who may be suffering.

The urgency of our cause has never been more acute; and the role of employers never more pertinent.

We have been delighted to see our members with offices in multiple countries and customers all over the world, playing their part not just here in the UK, but internationally. They are uniquely placed to play an integral role in tackling domestic abuse, and they are acting.

Collinson, a family run global travel benefits company, has 17 offices in 13 countries. They are well placed to drive action in supporting their employees, their families, and empowering people to call out abuse.

Our international members are playing their part – this Domestic Violence Awareness Month can you play yours? Take these three quick steps to join us. Tackling domestic abuse is everyone’s business.

  • Join our network for free

  • Download our free toolkit for practical guidance on what measures you can put in place

  • Ask your employees to download the Brightsky app on their company mobiles – a free resource of support and information for those concerned about someone they know