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.

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

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

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

What do we mean by Hidden in Plain Sight ?

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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.

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