Domestic Abuse Webinar

9th July 2020

Our Domestic Abuse Webinar

was the first of our Hidden in Plain Sight Webinars that bring together local people and voluntary sector experts to share the insights from organisations that are now facing a surge in demand for their services.

What we heard

Coronavirus has raised public consciousness of the extreme fear and harm that survivors, both adults and children, are suffering all across the country. This damage is long-lasting and it’s important to understand that abuse doesn’t end when a relationship ends, the harm continues, and support is vital to a person’s safety and recovery.


‘Surrey Stats’

In Surrey, we know that there are an estimated 35,400 victims of abuse, with 3,300 children visible to services as living in homes where there is domestic abuse

Each year there are over 1 million calls to police in England and Wales about domestic abuse, and on average someone contacts the police every 30 seconds for help with domestic abuse.

Since lockdown has lifted, the number of people calling Surrey Police for help has increased, with an 8% rise in the number of incidents being reported and on average, Surrey Police will record 28 domestic abuse crimes every day.

Sadly, these figures are only the tip of the iceberg as we know that less than 1 in 4 victims (and worryingly, this is reducing) report to the police.

Accessible, independent, specialist services embedded in the community are fundamental to getting people to safety as quickly as possible.

In Surrey, our vision is for every adult and child experiencing domestic abuse to be seen, safe and heard, and free from the harm caused by perpetrator behaviour.

More data and insights on domestic abuse can be found on our webpage here.

 


East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services is a lead provider of Surrey-wide specialist Domestic Abuse support services. 

 

Q. Have you seen an increase in cases since the pandemic began?

A. Yes, the number of referrals has increased dramatically from this time last year – 100% up each month compared to last year.

We are now having to find the necessary resources to manage a 40% plus uplift in demand.

The predictions around increases in domestic abuse incidents and homicide are stark, but it is important to note that the pandemic, lockdown and the socio-economic consequences of these events do not cause domestic abuse, but they have highlighted the prevalence. As restrictions are further lifted, we are likely to see incidents increase and domestic abuse murders as survivors attempt to leave relationships and perpetrators lose control.

 

Q. What are the top 3 issues that can be addressed now and have most impact if funding was available?

A. More understanding of the long-term impact of domestic abuse – more funding for specialist services to support survivors beyond being safe to enable people to recover and rebuild their lives, which can take many years.

More therapeutic support for children affected by domestic abuse.

Greater public awareness and recognition of domestic abuse.

The Community Foundation for Surrey is a long-term supporter of Surrey-based specialist domestic abuse support provider charities.

Currently these services are in need of significant uplift in funding to meet the increased demand.


“The issues are difficult – and the challenge to address them may appear insurmountable. However, we know that when people come together, it can make a real difference. We know that there are many generous people within our county who want to help. 

Together we can provide the help that is needed across Surrey – bringing hope to the lives of local people; and positive change for all communities.”

– Laura Thurlow, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey

Thank you to our inspiring speakers

  • Kerry, Domestic Abuse Survivor and Campaigner who works with other survivors nationally to bring about positive change.
  • Michelle Blunsom MBE, Chief Executive, East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services

Michelle has worked for over 17 years supporting thousands of victims of domestic abuse and their families from across Surrey. As the lead provider for Surrey Outreach services, she is responsible for making sure survivors have access to advice and support in order to break the cycle of abuse and help to rebuild their lives. Michelle has worked closely with Surrey Police to train officers and staff in using legislation to tackle domestic abuse, and has been very influential in improving victim care and procedures that are widely used.

 

  • Lisa Herrington, Head of Policy and Commissioning, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey

Lisa is Head of Policy and Commissioning for Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Munro. She leads the PCC’s commissioning strategy and heads up a team focused on the policy areas of criminal justice, community safety and victims of crime.

Having worked in policing for nearly 16 years, she has a broad range of experience at both a local and national level, including leading the communication of major organisational change. Throughout Lisa’s career with the OPCC, she has used her knowledge and skill as a communicator to secure significant additional funding from central government for specialist victim services in Surrey, including for those affected by domestic abuse.

If you would like access to our Domestic Abuse Webinar, please email phil@cfsurrey.org.uk. 

Due to the sensitive content, we are unable to post the Webinar online.

Support

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by domestic abuse, please be assured help is available.

Contact the Surrey-wide Domestic Abuse helpline (available 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm) on 01483 776822 who can provide support and information to survivors, concerned friends/family members or professionals. An online chat service is also available at: www.yoursanctuary.org.uk

If you are worried that you may be using unhealthy and/or harmful strategies in your own relationship, contact Respect on 0808 8024040.

If you would like to report a crime, but do want to go to the police for whatever reason then please contact registered charity, Crimestoppers.

0800555 111 or via their on-line form

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Hidden in Plain Sight

3rd July 2020

Since July 2020, we have been running regular webinars looking at prevalent, yet hidden, local issues affecting Surrey.

They feature live interviews with charitable organisations the Community Foundation has supported, donors, and community experts on the issue being addressed.

Our webinar series continues into 2021. If you’d like to receive details of each webinar by email, please sign up to receive our communications here.

By any account, our home is one of the best places to live in England. With its vibrant towns, mature woodlands, affluence and ambition, Surrey is known across the UK for its quality of life.

We also know that this is only part of our story.

Behind closed doors, issues such as human trafficking and domestic abuse are rife. We’ve already learned that Surrey Police have recently opened 200 new investigations into human trafficking, and on average 28 domestic abuse crimes are reported to them everyday.

We know that there is a predicted 30% surge in demand for mental health services and the number of lonely and isolated people that make up our neighbourhoods continues to grow.

We know that Homelessness is a shocking rising issue, but one that does not surprise with the cost of living becoming forever unmanageable and the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbating circumstances.

Our Hidden in Plain Sight webinars bring together local people and voluntary sector experts to find meaningful solutions to Surrey’s prevalent, but hidden issues.

They are an opportunity to drive change and act now, to ensure that every individual in Surrey has hope.

Leadership is required to bring about meaningful sustainable change. For more than 15 years the Community Foundation for Surrey has brought together those wishing to give with those providing positive solutions. We urge you to join us, to address the pressing local issues, that have for too long, been hidden.

The series so far

You can find out more about what we heard, or access a recording to each of our webinars below – by clicking on the title!

1. Domestic Abuse

In Surrey, there are an estimated 35,400 victims of abuse, with 3,300 children visible to services as living in homes where there is domestic abuse.

We hear from one brave survivor, and how domestic abuse support services are quite literally a lifeline.

2. Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Of the 185,000 5-16 years olds in Surrey, statistics show over 23,000 children and young people are in need of help and support locally.

In Surrey, voluntary sector organisations are coming together to address the pressure for these services across the county.

3. Loneliness and Isolation

There are an estimated 232,000 people aged 65+ living in Surrey. Almost 60,000 of these live alone.

We hear from frontline charities Woking Age Concern and Farncombe Day Centre supporting our county’s lonely and isolated residents.

4. Human Trafficking

Surrey is in the top third of all police force areas in terms of the number of modern slavery victims coming forward.

Find out more about the ground-breaking partnership established with Justice and Care, Surrey Police and the Community Foundation to tackle this horrific crime.

5. The Truth About Poverty

Poverty can affect anyone. We know that in Surrey, 16% of households are classified as living in Poverty compared to 21% nationally.

Find out about the innovative methods adopted by East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission to bring people with lived experience together with those in positions of influence to change cultures and drive sustained change.

6. Homelessness

We can at any time fall into homelessness due to a series of unfortunate events. It is a complex and rising issue here in Surrey.

We know that from July–September 2020, there were 324 households assessed to be homeless in Surrey. 779 households were considered to be either homeless or threatened with homelessness in the next 56 days.

Learn more from the inspirational charities working on the frontlines to ensure the pandemic does not result in more individuals and families facing life on the streets – and the small, practical steps, we can each take to empower and support local people to access safe and affordable housing.

Together we can learn how we can support Surrey’s most vulnerable.

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Domestic abuse

8th June 2020

We have to date awarded £168,811 to support domestic abuse organisations from our Coronavirus Response Funding.

We know that before the pandemic, 3,485 CIN (children in need) assessments in Surrey had domestic abuse identified as a factor in their case assessment.

We also know that the demand for Childline’s counselling sessions increased by nearly 20% in early April, relating to abuse or neglect.

On 17 April, Childline reported “During the past week Childline has delivered 363 counselling sessions where children have experienced physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect – up nearly a fifth from the week before.” [1]

We also know that the demand for Childline’s counselling sessions increased by nearly 20% in early April, relating to abuse or neglect.

The National Domestic Abuse helpline saw a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help in the first couple of weeks after lockdown, according to the charity, Refuge.[2]

Your Sanctuary report a big increase in demand in the weeks after lockdown restrictions were eased. Requests for refuge went up from 30 to 108. Overall calls went from 266 to 455 and calls to a professional went up from 93 to 220.  Charlotte Kneer from Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid explained that the big jump in cases after lockdown  was expected as for many people it was the first chance people had to escape and make contact.

We already know that 35 women and children so far have been murdered during the start of lockdown to the end of last week and that since lockdown has lifted, Surrey Police has seen a 7% rise in the number of domestic abuse incidents compared to the same period last year and on average will record 28 domestic abuse crimes every day. (Surrey Police, July 2020)

Prior to the pandemic, in 2017, there were an estimated 35,400 adult victims of domestic abuse in Surrey, with 14,363 reports of domestic abuse to Surrey Police. “Consequently, whilst domestic abuse remains prevalent within the county and nationally, sustainable funding of outreach services and refuges within Surrey is essential in ensuring men, women and children receive effective and timely, needs-led
assistance.” [3]

So, reports of domestic abuse are increasing while lockdown continues, and we can also assume that as always there is a huge amount going unreported.

Key issue is the potential increase as coronavirus restrictions continue. According to a recent survey, “Two in five are desperate to escape those they’ve been cooped-up with – 40% think that spending time away from those they’re self-isolating with will have a positive difference on their outlook” (survey conducted online over the weekend 2-3 May by Ipsos Mori).[4]

How our grants are helping:

Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid, a domestic abuse charity based in Reigate told us:

“The data has shown us that some women and children have already lost their lives and others are in grave danger – they have had little opportunity to escape.

We have women coming to us who have been sleeping rough, sleeping in their cars with children or sent to unsafe hostels and B&B accommodation where they are vulnerable to repeated victimisation. Women who have reached my service in recent weeks have told me about the terror of abuse during the confinement of lockdown.”

We recently awarded a grant of nearly £58,561 to Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid to open a new Refuge that has the capacity to home 20 women and their families fleeing domestic violence.

Working in partnership with YourSanctuary, Surrey County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner, we have been able to ensure more support for these families during this critical time.

Below are the grants we have awarded locally to support domestic abuse.

CharityProject DescriptionAmount Awarded
Total£168,810.63
East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services
Funding to upgrade the phone system for a charity to support victims of domestic abuse remotely during the Coronavirus pandemic£5,000
Personal Independence Support CICFunding toward an organisation that offer support and advice to children and young people suffering from domestic abuse, during the COVID-19 pandemic£5,000
RASASC Guildford
Funding toward a charity that supports those who have suffered from rape and sexual abuse, based in Guildford, to convert their service from face to face to a work from home and online set up, during the COVID-19 pandemic£5,000
Reigate and Banstead Women's AidFunding to cover capital costs of setting up a refuge for people escaping Domestic Violence during the Coronavirus crisis£58,560.63
South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service
Funding for a Domestic Abuse charity to support children as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic£5,000
Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership
Funding to assist in meeting the surge in demand for support services for survivors of domestic abuse in Surrey
£87,178
yourSanctuaryContribution towards salary costs for a charity helping victims of domestic abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic£3,072

Source

[1] https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/news-opinion/childline-lifeline-coronavirus/ (17 April 2020)

[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52157620 (6 April 2020)

[3] Early Intervention to domestic abuse in Surrey, A cost-Benefit analysis – Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Domestic Abuse 2017 Report (September 2017)

[4] https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/6-10-britons-struggle-stay-positive-about-future-could-be-changed-vaccine (7 May 2020)

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