Domestic abuse killings rise by 160% as 16 people die during three-week coronavirus lockdown
DOMESTIC abuse killings have risen by 160 per cent with 16 deaths during the three-week coronavirus lockdown.
On average, two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales alone, according to the Office of National Statistics.
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But Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales Dame Vera Baird today revealed there had been five deaths reported a week since the lockdown began three weeks ago.
Dame Vera told the Home Affairs Committee: "Counting dead women has reached a total of 16 domestic abuse killings in the last three weeks.
"We usually say there are two a week - that looks to me like five a week.
"That's the size of this crisis."
She added: "I think to save lives in this pandemic we are ordering some people to stay locked up for along time with people who will damage them."
It was revealed earlier this week that reports of domestic abuse have more than doubled since the coronavirus crisis confined families to their homes.
Home Secretary Priti Patel pledged £2million towards helplines for the thousands of victims trapped in a “horrific cycle”.
She also warned thug partners: “You will not get away with it” as she urged watchful neighbours across the UK to “help those suffering from domestic abuse”.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service available at chat.womensaid. org.uk.
Due to limited funding, it is open from 10am to noon.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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Since the lockdown, support groups for domestic violence victims revealed the pandemic could be putting people at risk.
A spokesman for Women’s Aid said: “Perpetrators of abuse may use restrictions due to Covid-19 to exercise power and control over their partners — further reducing their access to services, help and support from formal and informal networks."
The public have been asked to demonstrate solidarity by sharing a photo of a heart on their palm, and asking others to do the same to convey to perpetrators that domestic abuse is unacceptable.
Ms Patel added: “For the victims of these crimes, home is not the safe haven it should be.
“Our message is clear and simple . . . you are not alone and you are not on your own."
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Need help? Contact the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number — 0808 2000 247 — run by Refuge.