Domestic Abuse: Covid-19’s unwanted companion

One of the most distressing side-effects of the lockdown caused by the Coronavirus pandemic has been the surge in another scourge of our times: organisations helping those suffering from Domestic Abuse have seen demand rise by 25% or more since “lockdown” was announced on 23rd March.

It would be naive to imagine that nobody among the NGSU membership will be affected, however much we’d like to think that would not be the case. For anyone concerned that they are unable to leave an abusive situation at the moment because of the “lockdown” regulations, we’d like to remind members that we’re allowed to leave our homes for “Any medical need, to give care or to help a vulnerable person“, and it’s been confirmed that this applies to those protecting themselves / taking themselves out of harm’s way.

NGSU and Nationwide strongly urge anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse (which can be controlling, coercive, threatening, or degrading behaviour, as well as physical or sexual violence) to seek help and support as soon as they are able.

Nationwide Policy and Guidance:
Wellbeing Policy
Domestic Violence – Employee Guide
Domestic Violence – Manager Guide

The Society’s Employee Care line is always available to Nationwide employees on 0800 756 9804.

Some other independent sources of information are:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline 0808 2000 247

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

https://www.domesticviolence.co.uk/

https://www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/forms-of-violence-and-abuse/domestic-violence/

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline T: 0800 999 5428 (not 24 hours) E: help@galop.org.uk

Survivors UK – for men who are suffering abuse https://www.survivorsuk.org