South Yorkshire Police offers reassurance to domestic abuse victims

Charities across the country have reported an increase in calls relating to domestic abuse.

Support for victims may be lacking as organisations suffer staff absences, but the local police force wants to remind victims that ‘we are here for you and will remain here for you throughout’.

Superintendent Paul McCurry, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We know this is a time of worry for all of us but this may be heightened for those who have suffered or are suffering domestic abuse in any of its forms. The isolation period, in most cases, will mean that you have little to no respite from your abuser and you may be concerned that your reporting mechanisms are now limited. I want to offer you some reassurance.”

It still remains the case that 999 should be called for all emergencies.

For instances in which a person is not in a safe position to speak, they can press ‘55’ and the call will be directed to the relevant police force.

Mr McCurry added: “If you do require our support but are worried that we will leave your abuser isolated with you after an incident, I want to tell you about Domestic Violence Protection Orders. These are orders we can secure through the court within 48 hours.

"The order, if granted, can have a number of provisions including preventing the abuser from returning to the property for 28 days. This should give you the necessary respite and allow you time to put longer term plans in place. You might be reading lots about backlogs with the courts but DVPOs are handled differently and are still available to us.

Further support can be found:

Womens Aid

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Mankind - a phone help line specifically for male victims

Galop - a phone help line specifically for LGBT+ victims

Karma Nirvana - a phone help line specifically for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage