High Peak MP says domestic abuse under lockdown is even more unacceptable

Home is a place where we should all feel loved and safe with our family or friends.
Robert Largan, MP for High PeakRobert Largan, MP for High Peak
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak

Times of crisis are when we need this support the most, to help each other and to keep on going.

But for too many people, this is not the experience they are having.

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The necessity to stay at home has cut them off from their neighbours and left them vulnerable to abuse from the people who should be protecting them.

We all have a responsibility to raise awareness and help where we can, to let people know that they are not alone.

You can call the free 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, at 0808 2000247 or click here to receive help.

You can also get help from the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline at 08000 198668 and a fantastic local charity, Crossroads Derbyshire, click here.

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For emergency medical or police help, you should call 999 and if you are unable to talk, stay on the line and dial 55 when prompted by the operator.

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This will let emergency services know that they are handling a domestic abuse incident.

The Government has listened to concerns raised by experts and is helping with a public information campaign, telling victims that they can leave the home to get help.

This includes adverts on social media, sharing information and materials, and using the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone to raise online awareness.

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Up to £2 million will support online support services and helplines for domestic abuse and local charities who provide support for victims and their families can also bid for funding from the Government’s £750 million for the charity sector.

When this pandemic is over, there will still be homes where vulnerable people live in fear of an abuser.

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That is why I will be calling on the Government to continue the passage of the Domestic Abuse Bill with the utmost urgency.

This pandemic shows just how important it is to ensure that millions of victims can be protected and abusers are brought to justice.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.