Hertford & Stortford CLP Back Calls for Domestic Violence Sector Involvement In COVID-19 Response
Updated: Jun 7, 2020
Hertford & Stortford Constituency Labour Party have written to Julie Marson MP in support of calls from Women’s Aid and Fawcett for the inclusion of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Victims Commissioner and National Women’s Aid in all aspects of planning and coordination in the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Rises in domestic and child abuse were reported by countries operating social isolation prior to the UK introducing advice on household isolation,” said Maggie Williams, Women's Officer for Hertford & Stortford CLP and a survivor or domestic abuse. “For survivors of domestic abuse home is not a place of safety.”
The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Sector has seen increased costs due to remote working and an increase in demand for services amid the national lockdown, at the same time making preparations for the inevitable increase in demand for support that will follow the lifting of household isolation measures.
Hertford & Stortford CLP also support calls from Women’s Aid for an immediate cash injection of £48 million to the domestic abuse sector to ensure that provision is consistent across all parts of the country.
Maggie added, “While we welcome measures announced by the Home Secretary to support survivors during the challenge of COVID-19, along with some additional funding to bolster services, we urge the government to heed the advice of Women’s Aid and Fawcett.”
Survivors can access advice and support via the Women’s Aid website (www.womensaid.org.uk) including live chat and email support. The national helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. For immediate risk dial 999.