Havant charity Stop Domestic Abuse changes tactics as it adapts to rise in problems during lockdown

Stop Domestic Abuse, based in Havant, has noticed an increase in the number of domestic abuse cases in the surrounding area since the outbreak of coronavirus.

This, the charity says, has come in a variety of forms – from physical violence to emotional blackmailing and even financial manipulation.

But despite the rising pressures, the charity is determined to help everyone it can, and has joined forces with The Guinness Partnership to achieve its goal.

The Guinness Partnership, which provides affordable housing and care, will allow the charity to expand its advice line throughout Hampshire.

Chief executive Catriona Simmons said: ‘We are pleased to be partnering with Stop Domestic Abuse to support more of our residents, and the wider community, to enable them to get the help they desperately need.’

Alongside this partnership, the charity is introducing self-referral measures for people finding it difficult to get the support they need.

These include extended advice line hours for survivors and a virtual drop-in service, allowing people to get in touch with a help worker through Facebook.

Jo Eamey from Stop Domestic Abuse said: ‘During the current government restrictions we are seeing an increase in the number of referrals of victims of domestic abuse, and we recognise that being confined at home with their abuser both increases the risk to them and makes it more difficult to ask for help.

‘We are delighted that The Guinness Partnership are supporting us to extend our Hampshire Advice Line hours and run a virtual drop in via our Facebook page.’

The Hampshire Advice Line number is 0330 016 5112; for Portsmouth, call (023) 9206 5494.