The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought about many uncertainties for women experiencing abuse. Those working on the frontline in particular are already seeing adverse impacts in a range of ways and we have highlighted some of the key issues and campaigns that are already emerging below, as well as resources to assist women directly affected by the crisis.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and we will do our best to update it as the situation develops. If you have suggestions for further information or resources, we would welcome them. Please email Nic at n.mainwood@centreforwomensjustice.org.uk.

Support for survivors

COVID-19 Resource Hub
Get practical support and safety advice from Women's Aid new Resource Hub for survivors.

Surviving Economic Abuse: Coronavirus resources
Find out about how to stay safe and support your economic well-being during the coronavirus outbreak, as well as how to spot the signs of economic abuse if your a family member, friend or neighbour.

Find a local mutual aid group
Mutual aid groups are small groups of volunteers who provide support to vulnerable people to assist with food, shopping and other essentials for people who cannot leave their homes.

Guidance and advice about child contact arrangements
Rights of Women have put together guidance about child contact arrangements, including advice for survivors of domestic abuse and what to do if you think the other parent could use the situation to continue their abuse.

Support for migrants without recourse to public funds
JCWI, Medact & Migrants Organise have created a useful guide to support at risk migrants to access healthcare during the pandemic. It includes information on providing support with food and donations, as well as guides available in different languages.

Trauma Resilience Group
CHAYN are creating a web-based daily support group for survivors called “Notes From Chayn”. It is free for women experiencing violence and "will offer daily tips, tricks, tools, and comforting words" for the community.

Court Confidence
A unique learning space for domestic abuse survivors in family court. Learn from home how to manage your case towards a safer future in an interactive learning space.

News

Campaign to extend Employment Tribunal time limits during COVID-19
Together with over 20+ organisations, we are calling on Government to protect access to justice for workers who have been subjected to harassment and discrimination during the coronavirus crises, by extending the time limits for these claims.

More must be done to protect women experiencing sexual violence or abuse during the outbreak.
Changing Lives are calling on Government to do more to protect women experiencing sexual violence, including women systematically targeted for sexual exploitation or forced to turn to ‘survival sex’ as a result of the current crisis.

Crises Collide: Women and COVID-19
A new report by Women’s Budget Group examines how COVID-19 collides with existing inequalities of gender, race, income and disability.

EVAW Briefing on COVID-19 and the Duty to Prevent VAWG
EVAW Briefing urges Government to act now to prevent 'secondary' abuse disaster.

An open letter to the prime minister
Specialist organisations working with survivors of VAWG, including CWJ have written an open letter to the prime minister, calling for an urgent strategy to protect women and girls and to prevent abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safeguard women involved in prostitution during coronavirus
CWJ, along with a cross party group of MPs, the former Met Police Chief and women’s groups wrote a letter urging the Home Secretary to support women involved in prostitution in the UK during the outbreak.

Women's voices must be at the centre of the government's response
The Fawcett Society, along with over 50 signatories from the women's sector made a joint call for women to be seen and heard in government decision-making on coronavirus.

Make hotels offer rooms to abused women and children
Women's campaigners and organisations wrote a letter calling on hotels to home women and children trapped in homes with domestic abusers. Coordinated by SBS and Compassion in Politics.

BME specialist services call for emergency support to help migrant victims of domestic abuse
The Step Up Migrant Women coalition have called on the government to prioritise victim's safety before their immigration status.

Call to central government to demand specific funding to protect and support DA survivors
Over 50 organisations signed a letter to demand ring-fenced funding to protect survivors during the lockdown. Coordinated by Solace Women's Aid & Public Interest Law Centre.

Coronavirus and the impact on people with protected characteristics
The Women and Equalities Committee have launched an inquiry to find out about the different and disproportionate impact that the pandemic is having on people. Submit your views by 30th April.

How is COVID-19 impacting on domestic abuse victims and the support sector?
Women's Aid have produced an important survey to assess the impact of the virus on support services and women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Take the survey here.

Campaigns

Provide funding for accommodation for domestic abuse survivors during Covid-19
Public Interest Law Centre and Southall Black Sisters have launched an email campaign urging Government to allocate ringfenced funding to ensure survivors of domestic abuse who flee abusive homes have a safe place to go.

#PatientsnotPassports
Add your voice to MedAct's joint letter with JCWI and Liberty calling for an end to the hostile environment and find out what actions you can take to support those with insecure immigration status to access healthcare.

#NoExcuseForAbuse
Support Respect's campaign to encourage perpetrators to seek help to manage and change their behaviour during this challenging period.

Protect victims of domestic abuse during and after COVID-19
Sign the petition to urge the government to protect victims of domestic abuse during and after the pandemic.