As people are told to isolate themselves amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are many women living in fear due to being stuck at home with an abusive partner, according to Fermanagh Women’s Aid.

While the group is no longer able to provide a face to face service at this time they are continuing to offer support via telephone and are encouraging anyone who needs them to get in contact.

Kerrie Flood of Fermanagh Women’s Aid said: “It’s a hugely worrying time for women and their children. In terms of Fermanagh Women’s Aid, our physical face to face service has stopped but our work is continuing, we are supporting families by telephone and contacting the agencies that families may need e.g. NIHE by email.”

Kerrie explained that the reality for women and their families is that their goal remains the same but the timeframe has changed. “Many have been safety planning for years but never in a scenario like this,” she said, adding: “We would encourage anyone who needs us to contact our office on 02866328898 but we are expecting a surge in calls when some of the restrictions are lifted. For now, women will do what they need to do to be safe.”

Nationwide, Women’s Aid have called for more resources as it braces itself for a surge in the number of cases due to coronavirus.

Women’s Aid urged a “guaranteed commitment” from Stormont’ ministers following restrictions imposed on movement and official encouragement to stay at home.

Police are also geared up for more cases of domestic violence as homes are put under strain by extended periods of self-isolation, a senior commander said.

A Women’s Aid statement said: “We need resources and a guaranteed commitment across the whole of the UK to support all victims of domestic violence and abuse.”

“We are in uncharted territory and all domestic violence charities are bracing themselves for a marked increase in numbers of people coming forward.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said victims who are isolated with their abusers during the lockdown sparked by Covid-19 will not be forgotten.

According to Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statistics, while overall crime has decreased, domestic abuse incidents and crimes with a domestic abuse motivation have increased.

In 2019 there were 31,705 incidents, a rise of 399 (1.3 per cent) on the previous year and one of the highest recorded since 2004.

The number of crimes reached 18,033, an increase of 2,322 (14.8 per cent). There were 17 domestic abuse incidents and 10 domestic abuse crimes per 1,000 population.

Five of the 11 policing districts showed an increase in incidents and all districts had higher levels of crimes.

Fermanagh Women’s Aid are offering advice to women on how they can safety plan when in isolation, in order to protect themselves and their family during this time:

Always keep your mobile phone charged and with you. If it is a pay as you go phone, make sure you always have enough credit to call for help if you need it.

Have a code word with your family and/or friends. Talk about what to do if you use it. Do they come and get you? Do they call the police?

Have a code word with your children. Tell them where to go if you use it, run to a specific neighbour, go to the end of the street etc.

Have an escape plan. Think about where you might go in an emergency. Are there neighbours you could trust? Keep your car keys and bank card in a place where you can grab them easily.

Think about the safest routes in and out of your house.

Keep with you any important and emergency telephone numbers.

Try to keep a small amount of money on you at all times. Enough change for a taxi or bus fare.

If you suspect that your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower risk area of the house. An area where there is a way out and access to a phone. Avoid the kitchen or garage where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. If you have to lock yourself in a room, try to push a wedge under the door.

Be prepared to leave the house in an emergency. Know where your car keys are. If you can, bring your passport or other important documents with you when you leave.

If you are in danger dial 999. Fermanagh Women’s Aid can be contacted on 02866328898. The 24 hour domestic and sexual violence helpline is 08088021414.

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