Home Office announces awareness campaign and £2m funding to tackle domestic abuse amid lockdown

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Rebecca Speare-Cole11 April 2020

Priti Patel has launched a public awareness campaign as well as £2 million funding to help victims of domestic abuse amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Announcing the campaign on Saturday, the Home Secretary also revealed that talks are ongoing to provide charities and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner with the additional £2 million to bolster helplines and online support.

The fresh injection of cash is aimed at ensuring victim support is available after charities reported a surge in activity since the social distancing guidelines came into force almost three weeks ago.

The Government's public awareness campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, will aim to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during the UK lockdown.

Priti Patel announces a new domestic violence awareness campaign

The Home Office is encouraging the public to show their solidarity and support for those who may be suffering by sharing a photo of a heart on their palm, while also asking others to do the same.

Speaking at the daily Covid-19 press conference at Downing Street, Ms Patel said: "Coronavirus has opened Britain's enormous heart and shown our love and compassion for one another as we come together to help those most in need.

"I am now asking this nation to use that amazing compassion and community spirit to embrace those trapped in the horrific cycle of abuse.

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"And to help us all look out for those who need help, we have created a symbol of hope - a handprint with a heart on - so that people can easily show that we will not tolerate abuse as a society, and that we stand in solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.

"I would urge everyone to share it on social media or in the windows of your home, alongside a link to the support available, to demonstrate just how much this country cares.

"And to show victims of domestic abuse: you are not alone."

Priti Patel addresses the nation at the daily Covid-19 press conference
Sky News

The campaign will publicise the support available, including the freephone, 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline number - 0808 2000 247 - run by Refuge, and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

From next week, adverts raising awareness of where people can seek help will run across social media and materials will be made available, including to charities and supermarkets.

Tools such as online support services, including a messaging service with domestic abuse experts, will help those most at risk of abuse seek support and help and guidance during periods when it might be difficult for them to talk on the phone.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said: "What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure every woman experiencing domestic abuse is aware of the confidential support available.

"We hope the Government's campaign will reach the tens of thousands of people experiencing domestic abuse, helping send the message - you are not alone."

The announcement follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak's £750 million boost to the charity sector, which is set to benefit domestic abuse charities to support the most vulnerable in society.

The Treasury cash will support charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis.

Domestic abuse charities are being urged to bid when the new scheme is up and running in the coming weeks.

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