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Lifeline charity Renfrewshire Women’s Aid has recorded a shocking 60 per cent increase in calls from women who are living with an abusive partner as the country remains in lockdown.

The Express previously told how the organisation was experiencing a rise in women seeking support, but now the grim statistics have been revealed which highlight the stark hike.

The 60 per cent increase in referrals to the Paisley-based charity was recorded between March 9 and April 9, in comparison to referrals from February 1 to March 1.

The UK was ordered by the Scottish and UK governments to go into lockdown on March 23, which domestic abuse charities feared would heighten tensions in households and may even cut off escape routes for victims.

Renfrewshire Women’s Aid, which helps hundreds of women every year, does not believe that the coronavirus crisis is causing a direct increase in domestic abuse, but is in fact highlighting a horrific issue which was going on behind closed doors long before the pandemic began.

Rae Gilbert, of Renfrewshire Women’s Aid, believes that spending long periods at home with abusive partners is putting even more strain on women experiencing abuse.

She said: “The coronavirus crisis is not the cause of the increase in domestic abuse referrals. Domestic abuse is no worse just now than it has been. It has always been there.

(Image: Paisley Daily Express)

“Being in lockdown for this period of time puts pressure on any family.

“It’s not like Christmas and New Year and then it’s all over. This is going on for a long time and it’s relentless for some women.

“There is no getting away. These women who are getting in touch were being abused by their partners before the lockdown - but having to face it all day every day is prompting them to get in touch.

“The lockdown is highlighting an issue that is already there.”

The charity is also urging women who need help to get in touch when they can amid fears the pandemic could close windows of opportunity” for some women as they are at home with their partner at all times.

Rae added: “What the issue is now is that for a lot of women who would normally get in touch with us, any chance they have is taken away as their partner is there all the time.

“Before the lockdown, they may have had a chance when they were on the school run, or if their partner was out at work or with friends.

“But now, their windows of hope are no longer there. But we still are, so we want to remind women that they can still get in touch with us. “

Last year, there were more than 2,000 reports of domestic abuse in Renfrewshire – which anti-violence campaigners said are just the “tip of the iceberg”.

Anyone who needs to get in touch with Renfrewshire Women’s Aid can call 0141 561 7030 or email info@renwomensaid.co.uk. They can also call the domestic abuse helpline on 0800 027 1234.