South Yorkshire Police chief reveals rise in domestic violence complaints across county

Dr Alan Billings said that while police saw a reduction in complaints at the beginning of lockdown there has since been a rise “as people are trapped at home and becoming increasingly more vulnerable and at risk.”

The UK has been in lockdown since March 23 with some restrictions on daily life set to continue for the forseeable future.

A total of £76m of extra funding is being made available through different government departments to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, vulnerable children and their families during the Covid-19 crisis.

Police and crime commissioners will be given £20m to distribute to help registered charities or social enterprises meet the additional costs they have or will incur while adapting their services during the pandemic. The funding also aims to help them cope with the increased demand for their services.

Dr Alan Billings said: “Whilst staying at home has been an important part of the strategy to prevent the spreading of coronavirus, for those people who are in abusive relationships being at home isn’t safe.

“I welcome this funding which will help vital organisations within South Yorkshire to provide services to protect victims and prevent perpetrators from exploiting lockdown to increase their coercive control.”

To be eligible for the funding, organisations must be a registered charity, a charitable incorporated organisation, or a social enterprise, including companies limited by guarantee and community interest companies. They must provide support services which have the purpose of helping domestic and sexual abuse victims cope with the impacts of crime, and, as far as possible, recover from the harm they have experienced.

Dr Billings added: “The timescale for this funding is very tight and we ask interested organisations to contact us as soon as possible in order for us to submit our application to the Ministry of Justice before the deadline.”

To apply, visit the PCC website. The deadline is June 1.