Wednesday, 8 April 2020
Important Numbers
Fife women’s aid - https://fifewomensaid.org.uk/ - 0808 802 5555
Scottish women’s aid - https://womensaid.scot/ - 0800 027 1234
AMIS - https://abusedmeninscotland.org/ - 0808 800 0024
National domestic abuse helpline - https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ - 0808 2000 247
Police Protection Unit - 01592 418460
Stevenson and Marshall Solicitors - https://www.stevenson-marshall.co.uk/ - 01383 721141
While some people are looking forward to a long Easter weekend after a challenging few weeks which have brought considerable distress and unparalleled challenges, there are many people who are dreading it, and sadly some people will lose their lives. But not as a result of the Covid-19 virus plaguing our nation and destroying lives and families, but rather as a result of a killer of a different kind - domestic violence.
Since the UK and Scottish Governments instructed the lockdown, reports of domestic abuse in the United Kingdom have increased. There have been horrifying reports from Police forces around the United Kingdom of domestic abuse-related deaths over the past two weeks. The National Domestic Abuse hotline has seen a 25% increase in calls & online requests for help in the past week. There has also been a daily rise in people going on the National Domestic Abuse helpline website & last week that figure was up by 150%.
Like coronavirus, domestic abuse does not discriminate. It does not matter your gender, your age, your ethnicity, your sexual orientation, your background and wealth.
It is understandable that people are finding the current lockdown challenging. Now, imagine being in lockdown with someone who terrifies you. Of course, as you read this, you may not have to imagine it. You may be living it. 1.6 million women in the UK reported domestic abuse last year and hundreds of men in Scotland reported domestic abuse. The likelihood is, whether you realise it or not, you will know someone who has suffered domestic abuse, whether as an adult or as a child, in a home where there is domestic abuse.
The wheels of justice continue to turn in Scotland. As a firm, we continue to provide new and existing clients with family law advice including separation, divorce, interdict, power of arrest, non-harassment orders and court orders regulating arrangements for children. We have done so since 1888 and we will continue to do so throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
The Police, The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Scottish Court and Tribunal Service all continue to work to help communities throughout Scotland.
The message to people who are suffering domestic abuse is do not suffer a moment longer, help is available now to you.
