Swindon domestic abuse charity reminds victims they ARE exempt from lockdown rules
Its Chief Executive has told us "the only law being broken is by the abuser"
Last updated 13th Jan 2021
People across Swindon and Wiltshire who are at risk of domestic violence are being reminded they can legally flee their homes, despite the government's 'Stay at Home' message.
During the Prime Minister's announcement of the third national Coronavirus lockdown, on Monday 4 January, it was confirmed that victims are exempt from the restrictions.
A charity that supports those suffering from abuse in our region, and their families, is now urging anyone at risk to get in touch.
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) houses 22 vulnerable women and their families at its emergency refuge.
Specialist staff at the organisation also operate a 24 hour helpline, as well as working in the community to aid victims.
According to the charity, the rise in reported domestic abuse across the UK during the pandemic has been reflected in Wiltshire.
Between April 1 - November 30 2020, the number of people needing help from SDASS was 41% higher than the same period the previous year.
As this trend continued over the festive period and into 2021, Greatest Hits Radio spoke to the woman who runs the organisation:
'People can escape from their perpetrator'
"Demand has increased, the phones haven't stopped ringing," Emma Rawlings added.
"Out in the community we help literally 100 women and men every single day.
"We want people to know that they can escape from their perpetrator, escape a harmful situation and the abuse they have been experiencing".
Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to local residents: 01793 610610.
The helpline is also offered to the rest of Wiltshire 17:00-21:00 GMT midweek and throughout every weekend.