By Laurie Garlington, Boca Media.
A year ago, there were no lockdown restrictions and women who lived with the threat of violence in their homes may have had more options to leave abusive relationships. Now, coronavirus may have nullified those exit strategies. In Britain, 1.6 million women were reported to have feared violence and had experienced some form of domestic abuse according to the Office for National Statistics.
Findings also showed that figure was an increase of 24% from 2018, when every 3 days, a woman was killed by a partner. In real terms it meant more than 700,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported to the police by the end of March 2019.
2020 is a more dangerous year
While all women can be subject to domestic abuse, older women who may have been victimised by a partner for a lifetime may be overlooked. In recent years, women aged 50 and over have been significantly represented in reporting incidents with 10% of women in their 60’s being stating they are in controlling relationships, some of which have become violent.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, nationally, police reported incidents of abuse had spiralled by more than 30%. A direct correlation between lockdown measures and this spike were drawn.
Violence in the home is not always limited to partners. Older relatives who are part of an extended family may also be drawn into the dynamic as victims, protectors – or in some cases, enablers. Women who are subjected to abuse often share they don’t leave these relationships because of familial ties, financial co-dependence and responsibilities.
When the criminal justice system doesn’t have the resources to protect at-risk women
Coercive control is not new behaviour, but due to the number of people suffering psychological and physical abuse, it is fully recognised as criminal. Law enforcement and the courts have also deemed it grounds for victims to defend fighting back against an abuser with violence, even when manslaughter is the result.
A most notable case was Sally Challen’s which effectively ran for 9 years. Challen, from Claygate in Surrey was convicted of murder after causing the death of her 61-year-old husband in 2010. Now aged 66, she testified her husband had subjected her to years of controlling and humiliating abuse. This culminated in her killing him violently. Challen admitted to manslaughter but, was given a life sentence which the court of appeal overturned in 2019.
The mother of two adult sons held a press conference where she shared her insight of how the criminal justice system isn’t set-up to deal with the complexities of domestic abuse. She was quoted as saying. “I met many women in prison who shouldn’t be there. Getting an appeal is very difficult. I was turned down on the first attempt. The justice system needs to listen.”
With an increase in older British women reporting domestic abuse, the trend indicates they feel some confidence in asking for help. However, the combination of fewer police officers and lack of police understanding of coercive control may indirectly result in more women acting decisively to defend themselves.
Real life mental health impact of longer-term abuse
Sally Challen’s case points to the tragic consequences which can result from years of abuse being left unchecked and an unhealthy emotional bond has formed. Psychologists who specialise in supporting patients through the trauma of abuse, cite that victims may protect their abusers out of a sense of fear or even loyalty.
In cases of controlling relationships there are times when abusers demonstrate kindness which can be confusing or deceptive to their partner who may consider this a permanent change in behaviour. In exceptional situations, despite whatever duress or violence a woman may have suffered, there may be a lack of acceptance that she is in an abusive relationship. With this mindset, women who are victims may also be blinkered to danger.
Getting help and getting out of harm’s way
Although more than a million British women are living in fear of a partner, an element of shame associated with abuse persists. In fact, violence against women has been nationally recognised as an urgent health and social care issue. The government has acknowledged that special measures are needed during the health crisis.
A survival guide has been published with advice for anyone who is living in an abusive situation. The NHS also offers guidance to support vulnerable women in staying safe. The National Domestic Abuse hotline operates 24 hours via phone or online chat. Charities like Age UK offer practical advice for older women who need support.
As the holidays approach, women may be feeling even more fearful or may have taken the decision to leave in the New Year. This can be a time to safely put an exit strategy in place and reach out for available help to transition away from dangerous relationships.
