Rising prices are creating more demand for shelters as increased financial pressure acts as a trigger for abusive partners, while making it more costly for those who have already fled, according to Hestia, a charity that provides support to those fleeing. domestic abuse. London and South East England. The charity’s referral line had a 30% increase in residence requests in the first three months of 2022, with the situation expected to worsen as inflation rises. Jo Tilley-Riley, director of fundraising and communications at Hestia, said: “There are more women who need our shelters – and it is becoming increasingly difficult to support women in accessing the money a shelter to create the kind of long-term permanent residence “. With shelters already located in 11 boroughs of London, Hestia has been able to set up 24 emergency beds during the pandemic, which will remain available due to growing demand. During the coronavirus lockdown, charities and domestic abuse services reported an increase in calls from women experiencing violence and abuse, while shelters were closed. Now, growing calls to the charity are linked to the cost-of-living crisis, Tilley-Riley said, as a result of abusers facing increased financial pressure that has triggered the escalation of domestic abuse and violence. “Sometimes I think, ‘Why did I call the police?’ because at least my son was supplied and we had food. “Now we have nothing,” said Rohana, who left a violent partner with her son. “But I think at least we are safe and it costs a lot. But it is very difficult. “I only eat one meal a day – everything goes to my son.” Research from Loughborough University has found that the cost to a single mother and two children of relocating from a shelter has increased by 1.5 1,500 since 2020. Costs in the first year after leaving a shelter increased by £ 5,000, almost 11 % increase. “The system does not work for victims of domestic abuse and it will only become more difficult. “I’m exhausted and I’m afraid of the next gas and electricity bills,” said Rohana, whose name has been changed. Other charities across the country are also seeing evidence of the emerging trend. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has observed the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on survivors in their service and will release data next week. Women’s Aid is conducting research to find out what impact the financial crisis has had on those who have experienced domestic abuse in the last year. “The crisis of the cost of living has a negative impact on those who experience domestic abuse. Families are under considerable pressure. We have to act fast and we have to act now, “said Pat Ryan, CEO of Hestia. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Toll Free Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
