East Yorkshire organisation sees 73% surge in domestic abuse referrals since lockdown
Figures from an FOI show that nearly four thousand people were referred last year
Last updated 17th Oct 2024
We can reveal there has been a staggering 73% rise in the number of referrals being made to an East Yorkshire domestic abuse organisation since lockdown.
Figures from an FOI show that nearly four thousand people were referred last year with 1,715 made in the last four months alone.
In August, 143 people awaited an assessment after accepting support.
Nicola Haslem, Principal at DVAP, said:
"In 2021, the Domestic Abuse Act was introduced. It gave a greater emphasis on nonphysical forms of abuse. So our main source of referrals comes from the police. So we're led to believe that the reporting of incidents and the recording of incidents has led to this spike.
2\We are supporting 476 people. That does not include the number of people that are waiting for us to call them. Operationally. We have to be adaptable and if numbers rise, we have to put processes in place to respond.
"We've started to set up networks within the community where people can go and be with people that have been there. Understand. So the first peer support network is in Beverly at the moment, but we will be rolling that out.
In 2023 there were 3761 referrals made compared to 2168 in 2020.
Nicola added:
"We have improved our website contact is available through the website. Ring us up or contact us through any customer service. If somebody wants to be part of a network or part of a peer support group volunteering or needs help, just get in touch."
You can find more information on where to get support from Humberside Police's website or DVAP's website.