Sharing the helpline number for Scottish Women's Aid is one way the public can help women at increased risk of domestic abuse, according to Scottish Women's Aid.
In an interview with the Daily Record , Scottish Women's Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott reminded women that coronavirus did not mean options to flee domestic violence were closed.
The charity Crimestoppers has reported a 50% increase in domestic abuse related calls since the coronavirus lockdown began four weeks ago.
They sent 120 reports of domestic violence to UK police forces in the week beginning 6 April, an increase of just under 50% on the average of 80.4 per week.
And Scottish Women's Aid told the Daily Record that they too have experienced a rise in the number of people contacting its helpline since lockdown measures designed to curb the spread of the virus were introduced.
Dr Scott said local councils should prioritise removing perpetrators from the home as space in women's refuges was limited.
“We have to ensure that, where they can, local authorities and landlords are removing perpetrators from the home rather than women and children.
“It’s easier to rehouse one person rather than a family," she said.
Dr Scott said: “There are still notions that domestic abuse in this climate is a man struck by unemployment or heavy drinking and he snaps and looses it and is physically violent.
“Of course physical violence is an ever present threat to the life of women and children in abusive relationships but the reality is often much more mundane.
“We are talking about the 24/7 micro management of daily life.
“This is sometimes enforced by physical assault but also includes control tactics.
“We have heard thousands of stories of food cupboards being locked up and women and children not getting food.
“Often these tactics involve the sexual coercion of women.”
She added: “At its heart, domestic abuse is a liberty crime and it’s about keeping women and children hostage.
“The way we counter that is by trying to give them more control.”
The Scottish Women's Aid helpline is available 24/7, and Dr Scott also pointed out that its webchat service is helpful for people worried about being overheard on the phone.
The Scottish Government previously announced additional support for organisations tackling domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Grants have been made to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland to ensure that access to these key support services is maintained and victims still have access to methods of reporting crimes during the crisis, including using online video platforms, text messaging and phone calls.
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