When the government imposed a national lockdown, fears quickly mounted for those at risk of being trapped at home with their abuser.

Those fears soon proved real when, at the end of April, the House of Commons home affairs select committee called for emergency measures to tackle the issue, having heard evidence from organisations and helplines showing a dramatic surge nationally in the number of people seeking help.

In Newham, as part of the response, a Domestic Abuse COVID-19 Resource Pack was launched by the Borough’s adult social care service. As well as raising awareness among frontline workers and service users, the pack provides vital contact details so that help can be reached quickly. It also offers practical advice and guidance for both professionals and people at risk.

Newham’s domestic and sexual violence support services are provided by the charity Hestia. The number for Newham callers is 0808 196 1482, although Hestia stresses that where there is an immediate and life threatening risk you should call 999.

Anyone calling 999 in a situation where they cannot speak safely can simply make a noise such as a cough and then dial 55 when prompted to alert the police silently.

A copy of the guidance is available here

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.