Women’s Aid increasing emergency accommodation

Women’s Aid is urging people to keep in touch with anyone suspected of being a victim of domestic abuse as an increase in incidents is expected due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

A letter signed by nine CEO’s of the local Women’s Aid groups across Northern Ireland including Edel Fox of Omagh Women’s Aid, stated that an increase in both psychological and coercive and controlling behaviours is prevalent currently as well as all forms of domestic violence and abuse including financial, sexual and physical abuse.

The increase in incidents come as people now find themselves in lock down 24/7 within a reduced or small space and this can cause tension and anger.

Women’s Aid across NI is now calling for a community and societal response to domestic violence and abuse during this pandemic.

A spokeswoman for the charity said, “Check in with your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues, use WhatsApp, non-voice calls, as the phone is not a safe way to communicate for many.

“We all have a responsibility and could ultimately save a life.

“We need to break down the isolation, the perpetrator wants to establish. Perpetrator’s thrive on isolation and lockdown.

“We need family and friends to be reactive and know where and how to get support.

“Be on the lookout for abusive behaviours.

“Check in with those you know, or suspect could be living with an abuser and let them know you are there, you care, and you can help them when the time is right.

“As confinement goes on danger will intensify and women, children and young people may die.”

The charity is currently working at finding more safe accommodation for those in need.

The spokeswoman continued, “We are working closely with partner agencies, including PSNI, NIHE through DfC and other statutory and voluntary partners to look at emergency provision for housing in NI.

“We need to think creatively about how we can best accommodate women and children safely when home is not a safe place for them due to violence and abuse in the home.

“Domestic violence is already the leading cause of homelessness in the UK and it is key to get pathways in place and housing stock allocated and ready as soon as possible.

“It is essential if other forms of accommodation are found to house women or women and their children during Covid -19 that they are linked in immediately with a Women’s Aid specialised support worker to facilitate their stay, and provide all the information and practical support needed during this time.”

The charity has established three crash pads throughout Northern Ireland to allow for emergency 48-hour accommodation and these were used over the weekend, where home was not a safe place for several families.

A spokeswoman said, “The Crash Pads are for very high risk PSNI referrals, and if secure additional units become available, we will open it up further, however at this time the Crash Pads are for high-risk cases.

“It is important that after the 48-hour period appropriate accommodation is found.”

Women’s Aid services are open in Omagh providing emergency accommodation, outreach and community-based support services.

Staff are set up to work remotely within outreach and floating support and can provide the same level of support via web-based chats or telephone.

Contact Omagh Women’s Aid on 028 82241414 or call the 24 domestic violence hotline on 0808 802 1414.