The number of women killed due to #domesticabuse DOUBLED in the 3 weeks after lockdown, along with calls to national DA helpline. The fact that two women per week were being killed by an abusive partner in 'normal' times is shocking enough 1/5

Whilst additional funding for online and telephone support is welcome, it is impossible for many women to access these services safely. Isolating victims by withdrawing phones/internet etc. and cutting off family networks is a favourite tactic of abusers 2/5

so such provision was already out of reach for many women before #lockdown even started. Exporting support into places like supermarkets and pharmacies will be a welcome step if it is adequately resourced staffed, but what women really need is safety. 3/5

Women are at greatest risk of death when they try to leave the abuser, so exits must be planned carefully and safety guaranteed. Refuge provision has been steadily stripped away since 2010, with 64% of requests for a space for victims declined in 2018-19 4/5

and a safe and affordable home has become harder to come by, thanks to a 4-year freeze on LHA, rising private rents and cuts to social housing. Women and children urgently need a comprehensive govt. strategy to protect them. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52433520 5/5