FOR people living with an abusive partner, living in a lockdown will feel like there is no escape.

Women's charities say the coronavirus outbreak will lead to increased domestic violence – with thousands of incidents already reported in Thames Valley last year.

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Berkshire Women's Aid, which supports women in Reading, Bracknell and surrounding areas, saw seven women and families trying to find refuge on the first day of the coronavirus lockdown.

Unfortunately, they were only able to help three victims escape from their abuser.

The charity is calling for more funding to help support women during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Andrea West, chief executive, said: "These measures, whilst we know are essential to save lives and protect our health services, pose a huge risk to people living with their abusers. They also cut down the ways in which a survivor can reach out for help as people, spending 24/7 with their abuser controlling who you speak to and when.

"In just one day we had 7 women and families trying to find a refuge space but we only have space left for 3.

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"Our services were under funded before this crisis and things are only going to get worse as the COVID-19 pandemic continues."

The latest Home Office data shows Thames Valley Police recorded 6,079 domestic abuse-related incidents in 2018-19.

A joint statement from Women’s Aid, End Violence Against Women and several other charities warns coronavirus will have serious impacts on the lives of women and children as “home is not always a place of safety”.

They said: “We know perpetrators will use infection control measures as a tool of coercive and controlling behaviour.

“Access to support for women and children may also shrink further due to social isolation and those in poverty will be severely impacted.

“Measures to decrease social contact are likely to have significant mental health impacts on the population, and this could be acute for survivors coping and recovering from trauma.”

A government spokesman said they understand victims and survivors may feel even more vulnerable and urged anyone in immediate danger to call 999.

He added: “Advice and support will continue to be available to victims. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is staffed by experts 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and the Government has announced a £1.6 billion Covid-19 fund for local authorities to support the most vulnerable.”

Andrea at Berkshire Women's Aid added: "Survivors should not have to choose between abuse or the Coronavirus. But our services are still operating, we are still here providing a safe home and someone to listen and support.

"If people need support they can ring 0118 950 4003 or helpline@bwaid.org.uk. You are not alone."