Last week a fifty year old man was arrested for attempted murder following reports of a woman suffering from knife wounds. The stabbing shocked and saddened Southport residents. The attempted murder is an extreme incident, but sadly not an isolated one as it is estimated at least two women die each week in the UK due to domestic abuse.
During the pandemic, more people have been asked to stay at home, but this is not always a safe space; particularly for victims of abuse. The charity, Refuge, saw an increase of more than 60% on the average number of contacts during 2020. There are multiple factors for this including being in a confined space and additional pressures with health anxiety, and financial insecurity.
If you are affected by this, or know somebody that is, there is help available. The NHS webpage for advice provides links to the following:
Women’s Aid website which can assist with covering your tracks online after researching help;
Links to pharmacies offering Safe Spaces as part of the UK Says No More campaign to end domestic abuse.
Telephone numbers and links to Refuge as well as resources for men, people identifying as LGBT+ and victims of honour crimes or forced marriage.
www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/
Sefton have also responded by partnering with organisations across the Liverpool City Region as part of the Home Office #YouAreNotAlone campaign across Merseyside. It highlights were anyone worried about abuse can get help on a range of issues, including:
- creating a personal safety plan
- how to report concerns about a friend or neighbour
- where local businesses can get guidance on supporting staff when abuse is suspected
If you are a Sefton resident and worried about yourself, or anybody else you can contact Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid on 0151 922 8606 or visit www.swaca.com. In an emergency, always use 999 for urgent assistance.
OTS News on Social Media