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Your roundup of local and national
domestic abuse stories
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What India’s lockdown did to domestic abuse victims
Like in many other countries across the world, India’s prolonged coronavirus lockdown has proved to be especially difficult for victims of domestic abuse. BBC Telugu’s Padma Meenakshi reports. On 18 April, Tara – whose name has been changed on request – went online to search for helplines for survivors of domestic violence. It was a little more than three weeks into India’s lockdown, which began on 25 March. Her husband of 15 years had always been abusive – verbally, emotionally and, at times, even physically. But she had her job, which kept her out of the house for most of the day, and her husband often travelled for work, which kept him away. The lockdown, however, changed everything.
-BBC News
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More Help For East Riding Domestic Abuse Victims
A confidential online chat facility has been launched by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to give those who may be suffering from domestic abuse another way of accessing help.
The web chat has been set up by the council’s domestic violence and abuse partnership and gives those experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse the chance to speak directly to an independent domestic abuse advocate. The service is available between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday via www.eastriding.gov.uk/domesticabuse and when the web chat is available a “live chat” pop up box will be visible.
-Express & Star
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Three outstanding voluntary groups receive a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
It has today been announced that the following volunteer led groups have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK – the MBE for volunteer groups: Barrow Women’s Community Matters, The 12 teams and members of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association (LDSAMRA), The REACT Foundation.
Barrow Women’s Community Matters support vulnerable women and children: women who for example have experienced the criminal justice system; victims/survivors of domestic violence/abuse; girls aged 13 and over and boys from 13-16. They provide practical and emotional support and activities to promote social inclusion. Their services include courses to promote self-confidence, self-esteem and improve life skills.
-Cumbria Crack
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Mid Sussex woman’s bid to help victims of domestic abuse
Fifty-eight-year-old Star Darke was just a teenager of 17 when she got married – and the relationship soon tourned sour. She endured four violent years before finally gaining the courage to leave and is now determined to help other women in similar situations. “I read something that said instances of domestic abuse had gone up by 48 per cent during lockdown,” she said. “I knew I couldn’t just turn and look the other way.”
Star, who lives in Haywards Heath, decided to raise money for the charity Refuge.org.uk. “I have been known for the last 30 years for my long and often multi-coloured hair so I decided to shave it off to raise funds for Refuge. “I started with a goal of £150 and overnight it reached more than £400 and it’s just growing.” She has now raised more than £1,400.
-West Sussex County Times
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Don’t blame it on booze and stress – ending the myths and excuses around domestic abuse
A series of posters and leaflets aim to dispel a range excuses and myths around the causes of domestic abuse, such as blaming it on stress or increased alcohol consumption. It also encourages people not to make excuses for abuse, and take action by following a series of safe steps. Advice includes making suggestions to the victim, not demands, and sharing support information, if safe to do so. The campaign comes after a survey of specialist violence against women and girls service providers revealed widespread concern over the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
-The Shields Gazette
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