The Scottish Government has launched a new initiative to tackle domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes as National Domestic Abuse helpline, Refuge, reported a 25 percent increase in the number of calls to their helpline since the lockdown measures began.
Now the Scottish Government is concerned that "social isolation measures" are "adding pressure to those in abusive domestic situations."
Refuge, a domestic abuse charity aimed at women and children who are experiencing abuse, have reported a surge in people using their helpline.
As well as an increase in the number of calls made to the Refuge helpline, the domestic abuse charity has also seen a 700 percent increase in the number of people seeking advice.
On 6 April, the charity reported that calls for help with domestic abuse shot up by 120 percent.
It is not just women who are seeking help for domestic abuse during the coronavirus lockdown.
Charity, Respect, has seen a 16.6% increase in the number of calls to their men's helpline.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “These are unsettling times for everyone but I want to be absolutely clear that anyone experiencing domestic abuse in the home is not alone. While they may feel isolated and vulnerable, help is still available round the clock.
“We have heard that victims may feel like they don’t want to bother the police or support services because of the crisis. The message of this campaign is absolutely clear: services are open and they are there to help you.
“Tackling domestic abuse is as much a priority now as ever.
"This outbreak should not prevent anyone experiencing violence, including coercive and controlling behaviours, from seeking such help or reporting a crime against them.
"Services are aware that there is a need to be sensitive to the fact that the person causing harm may be in the home and there are a number of ways in which support can be provided to victims in this situation. I hope the campaign being relaunched this week makes clear what help is available and where to find it.”
The Domestic Abuse campaign will relaunch on 10 April 2020 and will run until 17 May.
Scotland’s 24-hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available on 0800 027 1234 or visit sdafmh.org.uk to email or webchat.
Visit Safer.Scot for further information.
