Covid-19 lockdown providing ideal environment for abusers as Women's Aid reports jump in calls during pandemic

Experts say Covid-19 restrictions are providing the ideal environment for abusers to exert their power and that partners are using the lockdown as a “weapon” against wives and girlfriends

Terrified women are being raped, strangled, beaten and constantly monitored by psycho partners during lockdown, campaigners have warned.

Home has not been a safe place for thousands of women and children affected by an explosion in domestic abuse over the last two months, according to Women’s Aid.

In one heartbreaking case, a woman in her late 70s being tormented by her husband and son, reached out for help, telling the organisation: “I feel like the only way out is to die.”

Experts say Covid-19 restrictions are providing the ideal environment for abusers to exert their power and that partners are using the lockdown as a “weapon” against wives and girlfriends.

Some women are being beaten with weapons and fists, while others are being locked in their homes.

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Furthermore, the mental health impact of domestic abuse for women has been heightened - with some feeling suicidal because of the bleak situations they are in.

Women’s Aid revealed that they have seen a 39% increase in calls to their 24-hour National Freephone Helpline during the emergency.

This means that it has supported callers on over 4,000 occasions since late March.

During these calls, women have disclosed high levels of sexual, emotional, physical and financial abuse from their partners.

There has also been a 74% increase in traffic to the Women’s Aid website, which provides an online instant chat service for women unable to literally “speak out”.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, reminded the public that home is not a safe place for everyone.

She said: “Highlighting the safety of ‘home’ has been paramount during Covid-19. However, this crisis has also focused minds on homes that are not safe at all.

“We have spoken to women who have been attacked with weapons and fists, who are being verbally abused, controlled and monitored at all times.

“Women with underlying health issues have reported that their partners are not adhering to Covid-19 restrictions deliberately.”

Women’s Aid said the experiences of Sharon (not her real name) highlighted the daily struggles being faced by many.

She contacted the organisation recently, saying she is working from home during the pandemic but is finding the situation increasingly difficult and desperate.

This is because she is locked into the house with her abusive husband day and night, and has been unable to hide or escape, even for short periods.

Sharon said: “I feel like I’m being monitored by my husband 24/7. He takes every opportunity he can to undermine and control me.

“He constantly intrudes on my work calls and conversations and I feel like I’ve no choice but to put up with his unacceptable behaviour all day, every day because I’m literally locked inside the house with him. It’s unbearable and I constantly feel frightened and vulnerable.”

Another woman, Agnes (not her real name), who recently contacted Women’s Aid, is in her late 70s and has suffered emotional, physical and financial abuse throughout her entire married life at the hands of her violent husband.

Her son, who is in his 50s, recently returned to the family home and has also become increasingly abusive towards her.

Trapped in the house with two abusive men, Agnes feels as though death would be the only means of escape.

Agnes said: “My son refuses to contribute financially and demands that I wait on him hand and foot.

“Whenever I’ve asked him to help, he has got angry and aggressive with me, shouting things like ‘You owe me, you old bitch’ and ‘You’ve never done anything for me, so why should I do anything for you?’

“I feel like the only way out is to die.”

Women’s Aid yesterday (THURS) called on the next Government to prioritise tackling domestic abuse, including sexual abuse.

If you need help, contact Women’s Aid on the 24hr National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 or their website  www.womensaid.ie.

Details of other specialist domestic and sexual abuse support services, including services for male victims, are available at  www.stillhere.ie. Anyone who feels in immediate danger should ring 999/112.