Coronavirus: ‘Unsafe and inaccurate’ domestic violence safe zone advice could put victims at risk The information distributed by the National Domestic Violence Centre (NDVC) has been condemned by Women’s Aid

A domestic violence group has been condemned by a leading women’s charity for advising victims of domestic abuse to demarcate safe zones in their homes in a bid to protect themselves from abusive partners during the coronavirus outbreak.

The advice distributed by the National Domestic Violence Centre (NDVC) advised some women to seek a court order to legally rule safe zones in their homes which perpetrators cannot access during the lockdown period. Chief Executive Mark Groves said: “The only sensible option for some victims will be to set up an official safe zone within their own home via a Non Molestation Order where it would become a criminal offence for their partner to enter. We have helped victims to do this in the past.”

But Women’s Aid has said the “unsafe and inaccurate” guidelines could put victims who are living with abusive partners at additional risk.

The i newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

‘Unsafe and inaccurate advice’

Thirteen days ago, the NDVC advised women to mark the out of bounds area for safeguarding, following concerns that domestic violence victims would be at significantly greater risk of harm during isoltation. This advice was published by a number of outlets, including i.

But the group, which is commonly mistaken for a women’s charity, has been condemned for distributing advice “likely to increase risk [of abuse] rather than decrease it”.

Nicki Norman, Acting Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, said: “We would not support this unsafe and inaccurate advice. At a time when police forces and specialist domestic abuse services are clearly stating that help and support is available for women and children, this is a very dangerous message to send. Advising victims to create a ‘safe zone’ within their own property undermines everything we know about controlling perpetrators – there is simply no way that an ‘out of bounds area’ within a property would stop abuse.

“Refuge services are working around to clock to deliver their life-saving work amidst unprecedented challenges. They are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of women and children living within refuges, and to open their doors to survivors seeking safety where they can.

“The message from specialist domestic abuse services is clear – support is still available, and if you are in an emergency you should call the police who will respond.”

The charity states that anyone at immediate risk should contact the police.

Domestic abuse services given extra £2m

Concerns over the impact of lockdown measures for domestic violence victims has been of urgent concern for women’s charities.

The Government unveiled a £2m fund to support victims during the lockdown measures. The money is designed to “immediately” bolster helplines and support, Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Saturday as she announced the fund.

But domestic violence centres like Solace have called on the Government to provide more practical solutions, including additional safe refuge spaces for women. Solace said its 23 refuges across the capital are now completely full, and the current situation means no one is able to move on from the 159 spaces allocated.

Labour MP Jess Phillips has spearheaded a campaign for hotels to provide spare beds for victims of abuse seeking refuge. Alongside Compassion in Politics, Southall Black Sisters, and the Jo Cox Foundation, the MP for Birmingham Yardley is writing to hotels to request free sanctuary for domestic abuse victims.

Mark Groves, the CEO of NCDV told i: “NCDV respects the role of all anti-abuse/violence charities and organisations but we disagree with these misleading remarks.

“NCDV is a social-purpose-driven organisation. That means that, just like a GP’s surgery, we put our clients’ interests first and foremost while deriving an income to continue our mission.

“We have never charged and we never will charge a victim; we take no government funding, and we do not accept any donations,” he added.

If you want to access support over the phone, you can call:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/)

The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327

The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428

Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123

Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available

This article was amended on 18 May to clarify that the NCDV was offering advice to some domestic violence victims, rather than issuing instructions to them. A reference to previous reporting on the NCDV‘s activities was removed as it contained an error.