Police in Bristol are closely monitoring reports of domestic abuse as a national charity issued a stark warning.
Since the nationwide call for people to stay at home from March 23 charity Refuge, which runs the National Domestic Abuse helpline, reported a 25 per cent rise in calls.
And visits to the National Domestic Abuse helpline website have been 150% higher than during the last week in February, Refuge said.
High-profile campaigner Rachel Williams believes domestic violence and potentially murders will escalate as social distancing restrictions in the UK continue.
Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge said, said lockdown has deprived people of escape routes such as the school run, and many perpetrators use isolation "as a tool of control".
But Avon and Somerset Constabulary has said it has not seen a significant rise in reports locally.
Superintendant Deryck Rees, the Force lead for Domestic Abuse, told Bristol Live : “We have yet to experience a spike in incidents involving domestic abuse as a result of the current restrictions.
"However, this is obviously something that we are monitoring very closely.
"We are very aware that for some members of our communities, including those living with domestic abuse, home is not a safe space, and the current restrictions will mean they feel increasingly vulnerable and isolated.
See the crime rates in your neighbourhood, powered by In Your Area :
“Firstly I would stress that it’s very much business as usual for us in terms of responding to calls about domestic abuse incidents.
"We are responding, we’re responding quickly, and we are making arrests where necessary.
“We are also in regular contact with partner agencies and organisations that support victims of domestic abuse, and with safeguarding teams, to make sure we are getting a clear picture of what is happening in our force area.
"We’ll continue to work with them closely over the coming weeks and months to ensure that victims receive the support and help they need.
“We would urge anyone concerned about domestic abuse to report to us either via our website (https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/crime-or-incident) or call 101.
How to get help
Police urge that if you or anyone you know is in immediate danger always call 999.
If it’s not safe to speak once you have called 999, and you are calling from a mobile, you will be prompted to dial ‘55’.
Once you have done this your call will be transferred to a police call handler who can assess your call and arrange help.
There is more advice and the contact details for local and national helplines and support organisations at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted online as well as by phone.
Police are emphasising women and men facing abuse at home during the lockdown should still report their experiences to police and seek support from domestic abuse services.
You can call the Refuge 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247
