A NEW domestic abuse campaign has been launched today to highlight the impact Covid 19 has on victims.

Bradford Council and partner organisations has launched the campaign, titled ‘can’t hide, can seek.’

For people isolating or in lockdown situations it has meant they might be forced to spend an increased amount of time in a dangerous or high risk abusive situation, with fewer or no family or friends to visit, or opportunities to reach out to for support. The campaign aims to highlight and offer a way for victims that ‘can’t hide’ to ‘seek’ help.

Visible across the district, the campaign has been tested and developed alongside local victims and survivors of abuse. It will run on poster sites, local radio stations, discreet mobile phone adverts, social media, posters within community settings and be visible in local businesses. It is hoped the messages will be shared far and wide in order to reach anyone who feels there is no escape, to remind them there is help readily available.

'I think I'm a domestic abuser - how can I change?'

The radio advert, in particular, highlights through its use of statements read by both male and female perpetrators, that there can be domestic abuse happening every day that a perpetrator or victim may not associate with being abuse. Domestic abuse is not always physical abuse. It can be the use of controlling and coercive behaviour, financial control, verbal abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse.

Superintendent Steven Greenbank, West Yorkshire Police, the Chair of Bradford’s Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Board, said: “The reality of living with Covid-19 in our society has meant people are spending an increased amount of time at home to control the virus.

“Sadly for anyone experiencing domestic abuse there can be little or no chance to hide or escape from an abusive situation.

“Combined with the mental health effects of living with or having lived with past abuse, the pandemic situation can intensify the already devastating effects of abuse.

“If this campaign resonates with you, if you think you are experiencing abuse, or you simply want to reach out for a friendly ear. Bradford’s specialist services are ready to listen, when you are ready.

“They can offer practical and emotional support, emergency housing, recovery and confidence building, a safe place to go, and access to services who can provide counselling.

“Whatever your situation, every victim and survivor of domestic and sexual abuse, and their family, can receive the right help at the right time to make them safe and help them move forward with their lives.”

Yasmin Khan CEO of Staying Put, a partner in Survive & Thrive said: “Supporting the mental and physical health of people is a real concern right now, we know that the pandemic has increased the vulnerability of victims of abuse.

“Mental health can deteriorate with abuse or past abuse, if someone is left alone dealing with it and the effects. The effects of past abuse can resurface years later, and cause anxiety and depression.

“It is important for anyone in this situation, if this has happened or resurfaced due to the current situation to seek help to work through these difficult experiences and feelings.”

“If you are being abusive towards your partner, we can also support you to change your behaviour. There is support available for anyone in this situation, and support for the whole family.”

Cllr Abdul Jabar, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at Bradford Council, said: “I welcome this campaign which offers support to people experiencing or living with domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is never acceptable.

“Nobody should feel unsafe in their own home or anywhere else and nobody should carry the burden of current or past abuse alone.

“I urge people to reach out for the specialist support available in our district.”

Bradford Council and NHS Bradford district and Craven CCG’s jointly funded specialist service Bradford Survive & Thrive offer support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse, survivors and also perpetrators of abuse. They are ready to speak to anyone who feels able and ready to reach out for support.

Contact Bradford Survive and Thrive Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm on 0808 2800 999.

The National Domestic Violence Freephone helpline is also open 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247 as well as the Men’s Advice Line available on 0808 801 0327.

Anyone who feels they, or another member of the family, are in immediate danger should call the police on 999. If they feel they cannot speak, they should use the Silent Solutions service.

The following organisations can provide specialist help and support in the Bradford district.

Bradford Survive & Thrive

Phone: 0808 2800 999 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)

Provides a single point of contact for all victims, survivors and perpetrators of domestic and sexual abuse. Families struggling with abuse will receive help for parents, carers, children and young people.

Men Standing Up

Phone: 0300 303 0167 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 4.30pm or please use the voicemail out of these hours). Freephone (from landlines) and confidential helpline for men suffering from domestic abuse. Offers support and housing to men who are victims of domestic abuse.

www.bradfordcyrenians.org.uk/men-standing-up/

National 24-hour Domestic Abuse Helpline

Freephone: 0808 2000 247

Trained female advisors can talk in confidence, in a number of different languages. You can now also chat to them online, live: Monday – Friday, 3pm – 6pm.

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Anah project

Phone: 0845 960 6011

An experienced and confidential support service for women escaping any form of abuse. Can offer help, advice and support as soon as you make contact. They can support with providing a safe place to stay, and practical support.

www.anahproject.org

Bradford Rape Crisis

Phone: 01274 308270

Support for women and girls who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.

www.bradfordrapecrisis.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men - Men’s Advice Line

Freephone: 0808 801 0327

Free to phone from landlines and mobile phones, calls will not appear on itemised bills. The service provides telephone or email support.

www.mensadviceline.org.uk