By Charlotte Webster
Individuals at risk from domestic abuse o can still leave home – to get the support that they need, The Home Secretary has said
Useful support will signpost to victims how they can access help and but also to reassure them that they can access support services and the police are still on hand. Home Secretary, Priti Patel said she is asking this nation to use that amazing compassion and community spirit to embrace those trapped in the horrific cycle of abuse as she created a symbol of hope with a hand print with a heart on to represent a symbol of solidarity with the victims.
Ms Patel also said she was providing up to £2 million to enhance online support services and helplines for domestic abuse, so that anybody who needs that help and support can access that help and support. ”These services will be boosted from new IT provided by the business, and in order to boost these services, we have secured support from Fujitsu to provide IT expertise to smaller domestic abuse charities to enable their specialist trained support workers to provide their crucial services remotely.
We also know there are concerns about the capacity of refuges to provide enough accommodation during this challenging time. I’m clear about this – perpetrators should be the ones who have to leave the family home, not the supposed loved ones whom they torment and abuse. Our priority is to get abusers out, but, sadly, this is not always possible.
So where a victim, and their children, do need to leave, we will ensure they have a safe place to go.That’s why we are looking at alternative accommodation to best support the work of refuges and ensure that there are enough places for those in need at this difficult time. Fighting coronavirus requires an extraordinary national effort, and I would like to reiterate my personal thanks to everyone across all aspects of society playing their part.
She thanked police officers and staff whom she confirmed have been given the powers to enforce the necessary measures put in place by the government through the enforcement of fines, and are working tirelessly to keep us safe, for engaging with the public so constructively, to encourage everyone to do the right thing and avoid the need to use these powers.
”The overwhelming majority of the people are listening, making their own sacrifices to support our amazing police officers and staff, as they protect our under-pressure hospitals, and safeguard the most vulnerable.She said her message to anyone still refusing to do the right thing is clear. ”If you don’t play your part, our selfless police – who are out there risking their own lives to save others – will be unafraid to act.
Their work is helping our doctors, nurses and health professionals to fight this virus and to save lives.If you do not follow the guidance, you will be endangering the lives of your own friends, families and loved ones.To protect those you care about – and the capacity of our police and hospitals to protect us all – there is just one simple thing you must do.
Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives”, she said