A “TIDAL WAVE” of domestic abuse cases are expected to come to light as lockdown restrictions ease in coming weeks, the South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Outreach Team has warned.

According to Jo, the team’s service manager, lockdown has presented an opportunity to perpetrators of abuse – giving them even greater control over their victims’ lives.

Though unable to meet clients one to one, the service has been busier than ever during lockdown – and referrals in April and May were up around 25 per cent compared to this time last year.

Local projections indicate demand on the service will increase significantly as more people return to work and school, increasing the opportunities for victims to reach out for help.

For this reason, Jo and the team are appealing for neighbours, friends, family, teachers and work colleagues to be alert to those suffering in silence, and help signpost victims young and old to support services such as the South West Surrey outreach team.

Jo told the Herald: “If you’re worried about someone and it is safe to do so, just start the conversation. And a good question to ask is: ‘Are you safe at home?’

“That’s not too probing, and statistically, people need to be asked seven or eight times usually before they ask for help, so don’t be disheartened if they say they’re fine to begin with. Just ask them if they’re safe and let them know support is available.”

Domestic abuse does not always involve violence either, Jo added, and instead covers a whole array of psychological and emotional manipulation and control.

“The lockdown has provided a situation for a lot of these perpetrators to have their whole family effectively under house arrest, controlling everything they do, every minute of their lives.

“It’s been difficult for people to find the space to ask for help because they’ve been in lockdown themselves.

“But as the world opens up a bit, and there’s more opportunity for people to talk to work colleagues or for children to talk to their teachers about what’s been happening over the past 12 weeks. We are expecting a tidal wave of new cases to come forward.

“But the key message is we are still operating and can put appropriate measures in place to keep people safe.”

* ‘Are you safe at home?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then help is at hand.

The South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Outreach Team (www.swsda.org.uk) is continuing to provide support during the pandemic. Call 01483 898884 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, or email [email protected]