Calls to a national domestic abuse helpline rose by 49% and killings doubled weeks after lockdown, a report by MPs has revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the “surge” in violence, the report called for a government strategy on domestic abuse during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MPs also said “safe spaces”, where victims can seek help, should be rolled out to supermarkets and other shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Home Office said it was increasing funding to support helplines and online services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Researchers at the Counting Dead Women Project told MPs 14 women and two children had been killed in the first three weeks of lockdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The figure is the largest number of killings in a three-week period for 11 years and more than double the average rate, they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, the number of calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline run by Refuge was\u00a025% above average in the second week of lockdown<\/a>\u00a0and 49% higher than normal after three weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without a comprehensive government strategy to cope with the consequences of this violence, the home affairs select committee said “we will be dealing with serious consequences for a generation”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It said the strategy should include raising awareness, prevention, victim support, housing and a criminal justice response, supported with dedicated funding and ministerial leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MPs have also called for more help to allow victims access support at times when they may be unable to use the phone or ask friends for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n