South Yorkshire police made thousands of arrests involving domestic abuse during lockdown

With a fifth of all crime nationally during lockdown involving domestic abuse, Refuge said the problem is the "biggest social issue" facing women and girls today.

Figures from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services show South Yorkshire Police made 3,011 arrests for domestic abuse-related crimes between April and June, when the toughest national Covid-19 restrictions were imposed.

There were also 223 voluntary attendances at police stations, where a suspect agrees to meet officers at a station as an alternative to being arrested.

Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest domestic abuse crimes were already rising in South Yorkshire before the pandemic struck.

In the year to March, 15% of all crimes in the area were linked to domestic abuse (21,739) – an increase on the 14% the year before.

Force Lead for Domestic Abuse, Temporary Chief Superintendent Shelley Hemsley said: “We know that for anyone who is suffering domestic abuse, Covid-19 restrictions across South Yorkshire may be causing increased anxiety and distress.“It is an incredibly challenging time for all of us, but for those men, women and children who are victims of abuse, living a more restricted way of life may mean they are spending longer periods of time with their abuser at home, isolated from friends and family to talk to.“It is to those people I wish to say, please remember you are not alone. If you are experiencing abuse or violence at home, if you feel you have nowhere to turn and nobody to talk to, know that we are here for you. Police and partner agencies are available 24/7 to provide whatever help and support you may need.“Our commitment to protecting victims of domestic abuse is unwavering; we are here, and we have been throughout the pandemic. We have introduced various new reporting measures, including a dedicated online reporting portal, specifically for domestic abuse incidents and we have also embarked on an innovative new training programme for officers which is already building on the service we provide.

“I’d urge anyone who has concerns to please make contact with either police or one of the many support agencies or charities we work closely alongside.”

Across England and Wales, domestic abuse offences have risen steadily as a proportion of all crimes for the last four years, reaching 15% in 2019-20.

This spiked in April, May and June when roughly a fifth (21%, 20% and 19%) of offences recorded by police were flagged as domestic abuse related.

As restrictions eased, this proportion fell slightly – likely to be due to overall police-recorded crime increasing following the lockdown.

Police forces (excluding Greater Manchester) recorded 198,112 offences between April and June – 9% more than the same months in 2019, and 17% more than two years ago.

Refuge said there was a general increase in demand for domestic abuse services at this time, and it continues to see peaks in demand three weeks into the second lockdown.

Lisa King, director of communications and external relations at the charity, said: "It is important to remember that behind all of these statistics are real woman and their experiences.

"These numbers refer to instances of physical violence, rape, sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, FGM, forced marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.

"Domestic abuse is biggest social issue facing women and girls today, and these statistics show it simply isn't going away."

There was also a small rise (2%) in the number of child protection referrals as a result of domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes over the three months compared with the same period in 2019.

There were 56,945 child protection referrals over this time – with 501 in South Yorkshire.

Barnardo’s said families were facing new financial and emotional pressures during the pandemic so while "deeply sad", the figures are not a shock.

Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “Children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse, not just bystanders. Lockdowns have left too many children trapped in unsafe homes, and missing out on vital support.

"In many cases we know that without timely help, children go on to experience further abuse in their own relationships and risk becoming trapped in a life-long cycle of violence."

Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins said the Government's Domestic Abuse Bill, currently awaiting its second reading in the House of Lords, will strengthen protections for victims and also ensure perpetrators feel the full force of the law.

She added: “We are acutely aware that for some people home is not a safe place and that the pandemic put those people in greater danger.

"That is why we are taking action, alongside our partners including the police, to better protect victims, bring perpetrators to justice, and learn from deaths to prevent future tragedies."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.