Mark Isherwood – the Shadow Minister for Communities – has welcomed the latest UK campaign to support victims of domestic abuse.
This afternoon, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced a new campaign which aims to inform those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available to them.
Mr Isherwood said: “The Coronavirus pandemic means people are confined to their homes, but home and isolation are not a refuge for victims of domestic abuse.
“Without being able to leave the house, victims will struggle to gain access to the latest information and support they need.
“But today’s new campaign helps to address that, by reassuring victims that they are not alone. This is something I welcome.
“In Wales, the ‘Live Fear Free’ helpline is available 24/7 to anyone affected by abuse or violence as well as anyone who is concerned about someone else: Telephone: 0808 80 10 800; Text: 07800 77333; Webchat at livefearfree.gov.wales.
“I would urge you all to throw your support behind the Home Secretary’s campaign and use its hashtag #YouAreNotAlone to reassure victims that support services remain open, but please include details of the ‘Live Fear Free’ helpline in Wales.
“It is also important to note that in an emergency, you should still dial 999, but if you cannot speak, dial 999 followed by 55 for a silent emergency call.”
The campaign also encourages social media users to share government digital content or a photograph of a heart in a palm to spread awareness to domestic abuse victims.
Mr Isherwood added: “Charities providing specialist domestic abuse support services in Wales have told me, they need to be included in Welsh Government emergency planning meetings, and at a local level, to be engaged with by local authorities and health boards, within their planning and implementation processes for COVID-19.”