Coronavirus: Supporting victims of domestic violence
As residents are being asked to stay at home to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Council is continuing to support victims, survivors and families of domestic abuse who may be at greater risk and feel more anxious during this time.
For some in our borough, home is not a place of safety but a place of fear, and this could get harder during this crisis as people are self-isolating and social distancing at home. Our message to you is, you are not alone, and we are here to support you during this even more difficult time.
Our dedicated team, Camden Safety Net are providing additional support such as more frequent contact with those at risk as well as developing dynamic safety plans as we know that victims, survivors and families of domestic abuse might feel more unsafe during this time, especially if they are self-isolating and staying at home with an abuser.
This is a hard time for everyone, and I’d also like to call on our strong communities to think about their neighbours who are in isolation and may be at risk, to provide support and to contact support services where needed.
Following Public Health England and NHS guidelines, our priority is also to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our service users and our staff and our aim is to keep services running. In doing so, there will be changes in how the service is delivered:
• All our advocacy and safety planning will be done by telephone, email and/or text
• All counselling services will be continued remotely
• IDSVAs will no longer be co-located throughout the community services
• Our duty service will continue to operate providing immediate advice and support via telephone or email
If you wish to access support and advice around domestic and sexual abuse, please contact:
Camden Safety Net
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Tel: 0207 974 2526
Email: [email protected]
In an emergency always call 999, or for non-emergent matters with which you require police assistance please call 101.
Some other helpful numbers:
The National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
North London Rape Crisis: 0808 082 9999
The Haven: 0203 312 1101
For more information and support on domestic violence, head to www.camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence
Read the latest information and advice on the Coronavirus at https://www.camden.gov.uk/COVID-19