Domestic abuse helpline sees 25% rise in calls after UK lockdown - here’s why your partner could be breaking the law

The coronavirus lockdown has seen a rise in calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline, according to support charity Refuge.

The charity, which provides specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence, said calls have increased by 25 per cent since the lockdown was imposed.

Here’s why the coronavirus lockdown may have led to more calls related to domestic violence - and what legally counts as abuse under the most recent guidelines.

Why are domestic abuse calls rising?

Refuge reported an increase in calls during a five-period from the week beginning 30 March, just seven days after the Prime Minister introduced the tough restrictions on movement.

People across the UK have been urged to remain in their homes, unless it is for essential or urgent medical reasons.

The charity also said that visits to its website had also surged by 150 per cent in the same period.

Domestic abuse campaigners warned that the lockdown restrictions could heighten domestic tensions and restrict the ability to leave a potentially abusive situation.

Pressure on other services and awareness campaigns could have also led to the increase, according to the charity.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, warned that self-isolation has the potential to “aggravate pre-existing abuse behaviours”, and that spending concentrated periods of time together could potentially escalate the threat of abuse.

Morley also emphasised that domestic abuse is not necessarily always physical, but can be emotional and psychological too, including threatening and coercive behaviour.

What counts as domestic abuse?