Highland Violence Against Women Partnership want to ensure people get help they need during coronavirus outbreak; 'Please do not be put off reporting domestic violence including coercive and controlling behaviour'
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Highland Violence Against Women Partnership (HVAWP) wants to ensure that anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse or gender-based violence gets the help they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The partnership is fully behind the Scottish Government’s recently relaunched campaign against domestic abuse and its message that even during these unprecedented times that support services are there for those who need them.
The partnership includes Highland Council, Police Scotland, NHS Highland and local Women’s Aid organisations and RASASH (Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland).
The partner agencies continue to monitor the impact lockdown measures may be having on families.
New guidance has also been announced for social landlords around domestic abuse and coronavirus which has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing, Scottish Women’s Aid and engagement from COSLA.
The report highlights what social landlords can do to support women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
Jacquelyn Jennett, chairwoman of the HVAWP, said: “The lockdown dictates that we must all stay at home where possible, but for many women and children in the Highlands home is not a safe place to be.
“This is a particularly difficult time for women and children suffering from domestic violence as they will have reduced contact with supportive friends, families, communities and services.
“Experts have warned that pandemics have been linked to increased violence against women and children. When mobility is limited and social-distancing measures are in place, economic vulnerability increases, legal and social services are scaled back and challenges in escaping abusive partners can be exacerbated.”
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Baird said: "To all those who are living through lockdown in abusive relationships our message is clear: please do not be put off reporting domestic violence including coercive and controlling behaviour during the current coronavirus outbreak. Police across the Highlands and Islands are ready and able to respond to ensure your safety."
Women’s Aid groups are continuing to provide outreach services and refuge accommodation to women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.
Their teams support clients by phone, text, email and social media, and continue to accept new referrals from women, children, young people and partner agencies.
Contact information
- Inverness Women’s Aid
Telephone: 01463 220719
Email: info@invernesswa.co.uk
Facebook page (Inverness Women’s Aid)
Website www.invernesswa.co.uk
- Ross-Shire, Skye & Lochalsh Women’s Aid
Telephone: 01349 863568
Email: info@rosswa.co.uk
Facebook page (Ross-shire Skye & Lochalsh Women’s Aid)
Website: www.rosswa.co.uk
- Lochaber Women’s Aid
Telephone: 01397 705734
Email: lwa@lochaberwomensaid.org
Facebook page (Lochaber Women’s Aid)
Website: www.lochaberwomensaid.org
- Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid
Telephone: 0345 408 0151
Email: info@caswa.org.uk
Facebook page (caswa)
Website: www.caswa.org.uk
- Additional advice and information is also available from Scotland’s 24-hour domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline on 0800 027 1234; www.womensaid.scot/contact/#helpline.
- Specialist advice about legal issues and rights is available from the Scottish Women’s Rights Centre on 08088 010 789; www.scottishwomensrightscentre.org.uk
- RASASH (Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland) continue to offer support to survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse whether recent or historic to anyone aged 13-plus and RASASH will continue to take new self-referrals via the support line for when its ongoing support sessions resume. Telephone on: 03330 066 909 and email: support@rasash.org.uk. New text support service: 07451 288 080
- You can also contact Police Scotland on 101 for non-emergencies and 999 for emergency situations.
