Calls to the national domestic abuse hotline went up 700% in one day at start of lockdown

Reports show that there was a 700% increase in calls to the domestic abuse helpline, Refuge, in a single day at the start of the lockdown. 

Overall, the National Domestic Abuse helpline (0808 2000 247) has seen a 25% increase in calls since the lockdown and visits to the UK-wide National Domestic Abuse website are 150% higher than the last week of February before the lockdown began. 

The Counting Dead Women project recorded 16 killings of women and children within the first three weeks of lockdown. This number is usually around five. 

This weekend we’re bringing a live theatre performance to our Facebook channel with one woman’s tale of relationship abuse, tinged with heart-warming humanity and humour, in order to raise money for two charities.

The show will be in collaboration with Made It Theatre Company, Producer Simon Naylor, ShowBuzz MCR and Manchester’s Finest. 

‘Green Door’ is a theatre production that follows Ann Brown’s story of a troubled and traumatic past. We hope in sharing this story, we can raise awareness of the issues lockdown is having on the number of cases of domestic abuse. 

Since 2010 Ann has been a motivational speaker, and she’s been touring her one-woman show for many years now. 

In the current climate, Ann has felt even more passionate about sharing her story. She says:“Domestic abuse is hidden and, right now, some people are being asked to lock themselves away with those that might abuse them.

My story will prompt conversations and those conversations will save lives. I can’t just sit on my arse and wait until the world ‘unlocks’ again. Women are dying whilst I’m doing that.”

Donations are being raised throughout the performance, which will take place on Proper Manchester’s Facebook page on Saturday May 16th at 7:30pm. They will be split equally between The Emily Davison Centre in Accrington and EdShift in Halifax. 

To donate please visit here. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.