Domestic Violence and Abuse is a largely a hidden crime, occurring mainly in homes behind closed doors. However Covid19 has made the situation even worse for victims of abuse. Charitable organisations have reported increases in calls to helplines by up to 700%.

Possible deaths due to domestic abuse have more than doubled compared to the same time period over the last 10 years. In 3 weeks (during lockdown) there have been 16 deaths and research tells us that 2 women a week are murdered by their current or former partner, which means this number is more than double of what is normally recorded.

Many victims that we have worked with over these last 2 years have been abused not only by their partner, but also their extended family. The lock down has meant that these victims are in homes with perpetrators around them 24/7 and are possibly being continuously abused.

Over the last 5 years, SWAN has found from their own experience that ‘Honour’ is being used to keep victims silent following abusive and exploitative relationships. Many have been threatened with personal images and videos of them being made public, being told that rumours of affairs will be circulated in the community, and they have been threatened to be publicly shamed. Shame and honour is such an intrinsic part of the South Asian community that so many acts of abuse, coercion and exploitation go unreported.

Although abuse occurs across all ethnic groups, cultural differences impact on access to services and effective intervention. Culturally specific forms of abuse can include forced marriages and honour based violence/abuse. It can also include other issues which are seen as taboo including rape in marriage, abuse from extended family members i.e. In-laws, foeticide which is the aborting of female foetuses (this is often forced on women) and dowry abuse.

With this understanding and expertise, SWAN deliver a culturally appropriate and competent support services.