Shocking new statistics reveal that domestic violence has surged since the start of the coronavirus lockdown. Alarming? Yes, but sadly, not unexpected.
The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline in a single day, while a separate helpline for perpetrators of domestic abuse seeking help to change their behaviour received 25% more calls after the start of the Covid-19 lockdown.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence can be physical or psychological, and it can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviours meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. And while every relationship is different, domestic violence typically involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways.
Insults, threats, emotional abuse and sexual coercion all constitute domestic violence. Some perpetrators may even use children, pets, or other family members as emotional leverage to get their victim to do what they want. Victims of domestic violence experience diminished self-worth, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of helplessness that can take time and often professional help to overcome.
Abuse can take on many forms including:
Physical: hitting, kicking, biting, pulling hair, pushing, grabbing, blocking exits, destroying property and precious objects like family heirlooms
Emotional: name-calling, mind-games, threats
Sexual: includes assault and rape as well as coercion, pressure, threats, and sexual bargaining for things in return
Financial: putting someone in debt, closing accounts without consent, giving an allowance that then infantilises the other person
Neglect: withholding affection and attention
If you have been affected by Domestic Violence call me at:
JDJCounselling (07541 872 474) to book a free 10-minute consultation.