Renfrewshire Women’s Aid is urging any women experiencing domestic abuse to reach out to them amid fears the second lockdown has left many feeling “hopeless”.
The lifeline charity was forced to switch to a remote phone service when the pandemic began in March last year.
Now, one year on, staff at the Paisley-based organisation want to remind any women in need of help that they are still there for them.
Following the announcement on December 26, which saw Scotland placed into a second lockdown, the Women’s Aid team feared the impact the continued restrictions would have on women living at home with an abusive partner.
Rae Gilbert, of Renfrewshire Women’s Aid, previously told the Express how the service was experiencing a rise in women seeking support, having recorded a shocking 60 per cent increase in referrals during the height of the pandemic.
They feared that the first lockdown last year would heighten tensions in households and may even cut off escape routes for victims.
Following the latest lockdown, Rae and the Renfrewshire team fear women may not know where to turn.
Rae said: “We are still here and we are still working remotely providing support via a phone service.
“We want women to know that we are still here to offer them help if they need it.
“Please do get in touch with us.
“We are one of the few services which have been operating right through the pandemic.”
She added: “When the second lockdown was announced, I think many women, like most people, felt a bit hopeless that it was happening all over again.
“We are still hearing from people who are being impacted by being at home for long periods of time with an abusive partner.”
While they are working tirelessly using new methods, Rae said there are still challenges to overcome which are brought about by removing face-to-face support.
Renfrewshire Women’s Aid - and all other district Women’s Aid organisations - currently do not have any plans to return to pre-covid working methods.
Rae added: “We didn’t think we would still be working in this way a year on.
“We are glad we are still able to help, but there are some things which are difficult to determine over the phone.
“Being face-to-face with someone helps you read their body language and can sometimes help you understand their feelings better.
“Not being able to see non-verbal things can be difficult.”
The Violet Street charity has been overwhelmed with support from the community while the building is closed.
Throughout December, staff were “overwhelmed” with the support and donations from the public.
“We can’t thank people enough for all their donations,” added Rae.
“We were totally overwhelmed by the amount of toys and clothes and gifts which were handed in.
“It makes a real difference to women and children who are in need.”
