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Coronavirus

05th May 2020

Domestic violence has skyrocketed under lockdown

Oli Dugmore

Domestic violence has increased under lockdown

While thousands suffer from coronavirus, many more suffer in silence at home. One of the consequences of the lockdown enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been a rise in domestic violence.

Victims who under different circumstances would be able to contact emergency services or friends and family are now being forced to stay inside with their abuser.

Jess Phillips is a Labour MP and the shadow minister for domestic violence and safeguarding.

She told JOE that domestic abuse has dramatically and predictably increased during the coronavirus lockdown, that the UK government should have anticipated this outcome, and that there is now an opportunity for the government to prioritise helping victims.