FEATURE ARTICLE: Domestic Abuse Rising During Covid-19 Crisis

Fri, 17 Apr 2020

Given the current Regulations issued by Isle of Man Government  which are in place to tackle the spread of COVID-19, people are necessarily being forced to spend more time than they ordinarily would in close proximity to each other and often will be in the same household together for significant periods of time.  Given that there is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about the COVID-19 crisis, and the financial impact that the current lockdown is having on businesses, with some employees being faced with wage cuts and job losses, tensions are heightened and relationships can become more strained.

Sadly, in the Isle of Man, as in other Countries, there has been an increase in domestic disputes reported during the current lockdown, with the Chief Constable reporting some people “were finding it difficult to be together”.

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence from one person to another, but it can include economic or financial abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse, stalking and harassment, abuse via telecommunications, including telephone and online, as well as sexual abuse. 

Domestic abuse is not limited to those currently in a relationship but can include those who have previously been in a relationship, are family members or who are intimate partners.

Domestic abuse affects all genders, ages, sexual orientations and can affect both rich and poor.  Regardless of where you live, what your upbringing has been, your social standing or professional qualifications, you can be affected by domestic abuse.  However, suffering from domestic abuse is in no way a reflection on you as a person and you should not be ashamed of speaking up and getting help. 

Currently, whilst we are in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, individuals suffering from domestic abuse can feel they have nowhere to turn and must continue to suffer.  That is not the case, and assistance is available. 

The Isle of Man Constabulary have a dedicated domestic abuse Officer, who can be contacted on 631495.  If, however, you are in immediate danger, you should call 999 and ask for the Police.  The Police will respond to emergency calls and reports of domestic abuse, at any time of the day or night.

There is also support available from Victim Support, whose office is still operating notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis, and they can be contacted on 679950 or by email to enquiries@victimsupport.im.  Furthermore, the Women’s Refuge is open and available to victims of domestic abuse, should they require somewhere to stay.  The Women’s Refuge can be accessed via the Police or Victim Support. 

In addition to the Police route, whether or not you choose to make a Police complaint, the Isle of Man High Court continues to be available to issue Orders to protect victims of domestic abuse and children who may be suffering or witnessing abuse, and can remove abusers from the family home, notwithstanding the COVID-19 crisis.  Should you require legal advice or assistance in relation to an abusive relationship, you should contact an Advocate who specialises in family cases. 

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, some advocates are providing emergency services and are available to attend Court to obtain protective Orders for those suffering from domestic abuse. 

Experienced Advocates will not criticise or judge you for the choices you have made but will advise you sensitively and offer you practical guidance and support.  Furthermore, most practices dealing with family work undertake Legal Aid cases and are able to assess you, and where applicable, apply for a Legal Aid Certificate, in order to assist with the payment of your legal expenses.  In appropriate cases, an Emergency Certificate can be granted by the Legal Aid Authority.

Please do not feel that you must suffer alone.  The Police, Victim Support and not least Advocates can help!

Article prepared by the experienced family law team at Advocates Smith Taubitz Unsworth Ltd – tel: 01624 677888 – email: reception@advocates.co.im

---