Wigan domestic abuse cases on the rise

Dias said that in the past week it has seen a shocking 94 per cent increase in people seeking its help.

The charity says it has been speaking to people in a range of situations, including those needing immediately to get to a refuge and those struggling to maintain childcare arrangements involving ex-partners.

Dias says it is worried that demand will continue to surge the longer the coronavirus lockdown goes on and has stressed again that there is help available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

Chief officer Gemma Braithwaite said: “The demand is increasing as time goes on. We’ve had people needing to leave the home immediately and parents keeping their children due to social distancing measures, which has left unhappy exes becoming more abusive on the phone or by text message and email.

“If home is not a safe place there are options available. You are not stuck there.

“We are here to help and support and if you are at risk of harm you should call the police. They are still working and able to assist.

“We are letting victims know they are not alone.”

Gemma says that although it is not possible to be sure there seems to be a correlation between the announcement of further lockdown measures and a rise in demand for Dias’s services.

There is also a fear that the charity will see another rise in people seeking assistance once the current situation is over.

She said: “People living in abusive households believe there is less chance for victims to get away or do something about it.

“We expect to see significantly more people once we return to some sort of normality and they can come to speak to us more easily.

“We know there will be people sat in Wigan homes who will not have reached out because they don’t feel they can do it safely at the moment. That’s why we are saying you don’t have to use a phone to contact us.”

Dias is currently looking at whether or not its Facebook Messenger can be staffed by volunteers to take inquiries from people into the evenings alongside its current phone, email and text message services.

Domestic abuse victims in serious jeopardy can also ring 999, cough or make a noise to tell the operator they are there and dial 55. This will alert the emergency services to trace the address and visit the property.

Gemma also thanked Wigan businesses and residents who have rallied round the charity at a tough time for organisations reliant on public donations by providing financial assistance.

Dias is available to help any victim of domestic abuse or violence, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Anyone needing Dias’s services can call or text 07519 911897, 07519 911902 or 01942 495230 between 9.30am and 5pm. More information is also available online at diasdvc.org/