Since Covid-19 restrictions were imposed, calls to Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, have increased overnight by 120%. Two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales*. Whilst the isolation restrictions are not the root cause of domestic abuse, isolation is already a tool for abuse so the restrictions can lead to an exacerbation of abusive behaviour.
We believe it is exceptionally important that faith communities take a lead in acknowledging and responding to these shocking statistics.
In response to this crisis, Faiths United, in partnership with Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN), Faiths Forum for London (FFL) and Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) have created a new multi-faith domestic abuse social media awareness campaign.
We intend to highlight the issue of domestic abuse among faith communities.
Every weekday at 2pm, we will be signposting the support available, including the specific support for members of individual faith communities, on our Twitter @SFITogether and Facebook Page.
We will be releasing a short campaign video to raise awareness that features a number of faith and community representatives and leaders.
Domestic abuse is present in all areas of society, including within faith communities. We believe it is essential that we, as all-faith-and-none communities, continue to help victims and highlight the support networks available.
Follow us on social media to keep up with our campaign #FaithsAgainstDomesticAbuse.
If you are in immediate danger, please call the police on 999
What to do if you can’t speak? If you are unable to talk, press 55 when prompted (only on mobile phones)