"We're still here for you...please call us" - urgent plea for South Yorkshire domestic abuse victims to seek help
Support services are worried what the second wave of Covid might bring
Last updated 2nd Oct 2020
As the second wave of coronavirus takes hold in South Yorkshire, there's an urgent plea to anyone who's stuck in an abusive relationship to seek help.
All week we've been investigating the rise in incidents during lockdown.
As the Covid pandemic continues, police and support services tell us they're worried about the dangers more restrictions may bring.
DCI Andrea Bowell is from South Yorkshire Police:
"I don't think you can get away from the fact that the concerns we all share about the impact of lockdown will not go away and certainly if we were to go into a second lockdown those issues will remain."
Today we're highlighting what help is out there for those stuck in an abusive home.
Andrea says the force has adapted to make it easier than ever to get support:
"One to one counselling and support services are being done online, we've introduced online reporting into South Yorkshire Police so that if your only option is to contact us via email from the bathroom, you can do it on a smartphone, you don't have to be overheard in a phone call.
"We understand that this is a really difficult time for people and they may feel that their options are limited but I have to reinforce that as a police service we are still here for you.
"We have Covid but for us nothing has changed. You'll get the same service from us today as you did three months ago. Please call us."
And that message is echoed by those who've been through domestic abuse during lockdown.
We heard from Jack (not his real name) earlier this week who was abused by his family - he has this message as we head into winter:
"Reach out. Ask those questions. Anyone going through such negative experiences deserves an opportunity at a good life. "
Kate (not her real name) was abused be her ex and managed to escape the situation when it got worse.
She has this advice for anyone in a similar position:
"Just try and speak to friends and family. Distance yourself from that person as much as you can. Speak to other people to realise that the things they are doing and saying aren't right.
"You don't have to put up with it. You don't go and be with somebody else, just be with yourself and find yourself again."
And we're being told South Yorkshire people should come together to help widen the network of support for victims of domestic abuse.
Police want us to help be their eyes and ears to spot those suffering in silence.
DCI Andrea Bowell is urging us to play our part:
"I think there are family members out there who might be concerned that they're not seeing their loved ones as much as they ordinarily would.
"What I would reinforce is that if you have any suspicions whatsover or any concerns, we are more than happy to pay the family a visit or speak to you about what your concerns are.
"I would always urge the public to come forward. Members of the public have got really good instincts for when to be concerned about someone. I would urge you trust your instincts.
"We're all human beings who have a really good sense of when we need to be worried. If you feel you are worried, that's a good enough reason to call."
There are links to domestic abuse support here.