During this period of lockdown cases of domestic abuse and even murder have increased significantly. Imagine being in isolation with an abuser. It does not bear thinking of. So Spelthorne Borough Council want to make residents aware of how to contact police when unable to speak through fear of domestic abuse;
All you need do is press 55 when you are through to an operator.
The definition of Domestic Abuse encompasses physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial and also includes honour based abuse and forced marriage while it is also clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group. Just one encounter counts as abuse with the one constant element being the abuser’s consistent effort to maintain power and control over the victim.
The government has acknowledged that the recent order to stay at home may heighten anxiety for those who are experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse and victims may be afraid to contact police for fear of the abuser hearing their call.
The Silent Solution is a police system used to filter out large numbers of accidental or hoax 999 calls. It also exists to help people who are unable to speak, but who genuinely need police assistance. If you need police assistance but can’t talk, dial 999, listen and respond to questions and instructions, including by coughing or tapping the handset if possible, or if using a mobile phone, once prompted by the automated Silent Solution system, press 55 – this alerts police to the fact it is a genuine emergency and not a pocket dial or hoax call.
Councillor Sati Buttar, Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing, said: “It is important to stress that, even during these uncertain times, fleeing your home for a refuge is classified as essential travel. Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, and stress relating to the impacts of the coronavirus is no excuse. Surrey Police work closely with Surrey Against Domestic Abuse to ensure that victims are given the care that they need. The Silent Solution is there to protect those who need police assistance but are unable to speak for fear of reprisals.”
For information from Surrey Police regarding Domestic Abuse, click here: https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/. In an emergency dial 999.
For more information about Surrey Against Domestic Abuse, click here: https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/domestic-abuse or call 01483 776822 (9am to 9pm, 7 days a week)
You can contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline via their website (https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/) or by calling 0808 2000 247.