Around 20,000 people in Bucks have experienced domestic abuse
Today is White Ribbon Day, highlighting violence towards women.
Calls to Women's Aid in Buckinghamshire are 11% lower this year - with a fear lockdown has made victims of domestic abuse too afraid to get help.
Buckinghamshire Council and Thames Valley Police are making White Ribbon Day.
It's thought around 20,000 people in the county have experienced domestic violence and abuse and this year, twice the number of last years' victims are getting support.
Support services and local authorities across Buckinghamshire are focusing on domestic abuse victims and support services available as part of White Ribbon Day.
The global movement was founded by men and boys to tackle male on female domestic violence, with mentions of calling out abusive and sexist behaviour among friends, colleagues and communities to promote a culture of equality and respect.
Buckinghamshire council explain that domestic abuse is defined as any incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
Which can encompass, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse.
Coronavirus and the lockdowns due to this are expected to have had a huge impact on victims.
A message to victims
Thames Valley Police's Detective Superintendent Rebecca Mears, Head of Protecting Vulnerable People explains:
"By the very nature of domestic abuse you are living with the partner that is abusing you, or your parent, depending on the dynamics of the relationship.
"If that freedom is then restricted by lockdown you can feel more encolsed and trapped. The offender knows that. They know you are less able to get out and get help.
"Therefore it is naturally more difficult for victims to feel able, or be physically able, to report crimes, offences or concerns around their safety."
One issue that has been brought up by local authorities and support services is confusion around being able to seek help during lockdown.
DS Mears was keen to reassure victims on this:
"If you are scared for your safety you will not be breaching Covid guidelines by leaving.
"Your safety, your children's safety and that of anyone around you is the priority and we will support you on that.
“We are encouraging people to look out for each other in their communities. Who do you know that may need you to raise the alarm for them if they are being abused? You may be the only person who knows about the abuse or who can act in that person’s best interests.
"Remember, you can still meet up with one other person during this lockdown, so please use this as a chance to agree a code word with your friend or trusted person so they can get help on your behalf. Look out for unexplained injuries and lack of contact.”
Councillor Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Communities & Public Health, said:
"Buckinghamshire Council is proud to support White Ribbon Day. Abuse, no matter what form it takes, is unacceptable and it's vital that we raise awareness of all the help and support that's available for all victims.
"With new national restrictions in place it's now really important for everyone to know they can still get help, and leave their homes to access the support which continues to be available despite these challenging times.
"Domestic violence and abuse is something that can affect anyone in Buckinghamshire, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or financial background and tackling it is one of our top priorities and part of our Safer Buckinghamshire Plan 2020-2023.
"We are committed to working as part of a wider partnership effort to ensure we provide the right advice and support and hopefully encourage more people to come forward and report it."
Safer Buckinghamshire Plan
The Safer Buckinghamshire Plan includes a Domestic Violence and Abuse strategic priority and delivery plan, with a plan looking at intervention, prevention and support.
Some key areas of this include:
- adopt an approach focussed on early intervention and prevention
- work to better understand the barriers and increase access to DVA service use for 'hidden victims'
- produce public information which makes it clear what DVA is, how to spot the signs of it and how to respond to it as a victim, witness, or a concerned person
- seek alternative secure funding for the IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) service (an essential component of the commissioned DVA service) to remove dependency on short term funding