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The Duchess of Cornwall has urged anyone concerned that a loved one or friend may be experiencing domestic violence to “reach out” and help them, as the coronavirus pandemic may make it impossible for them to get close.
Writing in The Guardian, Camilla cited “deeply troubling” statistics showing a sharp increase in domestic violence since March, with cases globally increasing by 20%. More than a third of specialist services in the UK have reported an increase in requests for assistance.
Camilla wrote: “Six months ago, our country was blocked. Almost immediately, we saw the best and worst of human behavior. For many, the charity really started at home, with family members taking care to protect relatives and neighbors coming together in new and different ways. But for some, it was abuse, rather than charity, that started at home. “
The Duchess said she feared for the two-thirds of victims who say they feel unable to seek help for fear of repercussions from their partner or the restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
She added that, as a sponsor of the SafeLives charity, she had read “heartbreaking” stories of people living in abusive relationships in recent months.
Among them was a woman who wrote: “His emotional and verbal abuse increases the longer we are isolated, and I worry that mentally I will not survive this.” Another said of her partner: “Every now and then he gets on his horse and pushes me or spits in my face and screams and scares us.”
The Duchess wrote: “Too often those living with abuse feel that there is no one to help them. I have learned how vital it is to spread the word about available help. Readers in that situation should know that they are not alone. “
He pointed to national helplines and highlighted the work of the UK Says No More campaign, which has established a network of safe spaces in stores, including Boots, Superdrug and Morrisons pharmacies. “If you request a private appointment in a consultation room, you will be given information on how to access national advice lines and local specialist services,” she said.
But he also appealed to anyone who might be concerned about someone’s safety. “In these situations, a simple query can be incredibly powerful. Just asking ‘are you okay?’ it may be the right place to start. “
Camilla said she was “deeply grateful” for The Guardian’s coverage of domestic violence issues. “I have often said that domestic violence is characterized by silence: of the abused, the abuser and the person who does not know how to intervene. But the media have the ability to break this corrosive silence: bring us the voices of the victims; breaking the taboo; and raise awareness about what we can all do to stop this heinous crime. “
