A crisis of domestic abuse and violence against women including in Newham is made worse as a result of falling public trust in police and social services according to local campaigners.

Now in order to encourage victims to have trust that the police and local authorities will give them protection and justice the Greater London Assembly has welcomed a new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy from the Metropolitan Police.

However, a major question remains, as one East Ham resident pointed out: “Why would you report anything if you are scared for your life and the police will not do anything in the end?”

Although women from all sections of society and all groups are potentially at risk, the problem facing some Muslim women was particularly highlighted by Iman Atta, national director of the anti-Islamophobia organisation, Tell Mama at the launch of the new Met Police strategy.

“Muslim women are more likely to initially come forward and report they are victims of domestic abuse to their closest friends, than to the Metropolitan Police,” she said.

“The majority of cases go unreported since many women are not aware of their rights and feel that there will be a major fissure in the family structure and they don’t want to be the ones to cause a family breakdown.”

Although this is a problem facing all women, she said: “The MET needs to include more outreach particularly with more serving Muslim female police officers and contacts with British Muslim communities.

““We know that unless confronted, perpetrators will continue. There really needs to be an educational campaign in Newham on this.” After the recent case with Sarah Everard, who was murdered by a serving Metropolitan police offier, trust between women and the police has been shaken. There is no doubt about that,” she said.

COVID-19 pandemic has worsened domestic violence as the victims are stuck at home with their aggressive perpetrators. A UN report in November covering 13 countries shows that almost 1 in 2 women reported that they experienced a form of violence during the pandemic. The negative impact of the pandemic is also confirmed by the Newham Area Manager Alina Kaur of the charity Hestia that works to support victims of domestic abuse.

“Many victims have been isolated at home with their abusers, unable to contact friends or family for support,” she said.

Hestia has launched a Safe Spaces project as a response. This provides dedicated places for victims of abuse, at Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons, Well pharmacy and local TSB bank branches. It’s a discreet way to contact specialist support services such as Newham domestic abuse support services or police. A victim can come forward and ask a staff member for help.

“Usually it’s the social worker, not directly the victim, who calls us to reserve and prepare the Safe Space to meet with domestic abuse victims, “ said the store manager of Boots in East Ham.

Anyone who needs to report an incident should call 999 or 101 to speak to the police or contact Victim Support (victimsupport.org.uk) who offer free, confidential advice through their helpine on 0808 1689 111.

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