When lockdown was announced and new measures put in place to keep the nation safe, we anticipated a rise in the number of referrals being made to us for help and support.

Our Family Safety team has seen a 123% increase in referrals compared with referrals made between March 2019 and May 2019. Due to this substantial spike in referrals, the Ministry of Justice recently granted Llamau funding to appoint an additional Family Safety Support Worker, so that we are able to meet the increase in demand for support during this time.  

The disruption that Coronavirus has caused to Child Visitation Plans and the closure of many contact centres across Wales has undoubtedly contributed to this spike in referrals. We have seen an increase in perpetrators of abuse turning up unannounced at children and victims’ homes in order to inflict abusive and intimidating behaviours.

We have also seen harassment and stalking intensify during the lockdown period which, worryingly, continues to be a very serious issue as lockdown restrictions are eased. With people across the UK being placed on furlough, many perpetrators have been able to take advantage of changes in working patterns to more easily locate their victim and to continue inflicting abusive behaviours.

We anticipate referral rates to remain high over the coming months, as lockdown eases and routines start to resume some form of normality. With restrictions on our daily lives being lifted, we anticipate an increase in referrals from victims who have been trapped with their abuser during the lockdown period and have not had the opportunity to seek help.

Referrals for Family Safety support can be made directly to Llamau. If you or someone you know is experiencing or is at risk of domestic abuse, please do not hesitate to get in touch via the details below.

 

What is Family Safety work and how can it help?

Family Safety work is a vital early intervention tool for families experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse. Dedicated specialist workers provide immediate help with safety planning that enables vulnerable families to remain in their own homes, safe and free from abuse.

Family Safety is a personable and tailored service. After an initial telephone call with a Family Safety worker, an appointment will be arranged to meet, but safety advice and planning will commence straight away. Security alarms can be provided as well as support with other security measures, such as the installation of door and window locks.

The team regularly communicate with private landlords and local authorities on a person’s behalf. If threats of arson have been made the team will alert the local fire department.

A Family Safety worker can also act as a liaison for families, supporting them to work with independent organisations such as Victim Support, Independent Domestic Violence Advocates and the police.

Free legal advice and support can also be accessed via Family Safety should it be required. Our dedicated specialist workers can attend court hearings with families, offering support and advice to them to help them understand the court proceedings.

Contact

If you or someone you know would like to get in touch with our Family Safety team, please get in touch via the details below.

Email: [email protected]

Call: 02920 860255

Text: 07966981028