Domestic violence during the lockdown: the needs of Black and minoritised communities during the pandemic

The UK's lockdown measures, announced on 23rd March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic focused on encouraging people to stay at home to keep themselves and their communities safe. However, for those living with perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse, such isolation is potentially more dangerous than catching the virus. Shortly after the lockdown began, charities, police and other frontline support services began reporting a huge surge in victim/survivors' seeking help, placing additional strain on a sector already functioning beyond capacity. In addition to the increase in demand, the need to maintain social distancing has impacted hugely on the day-to-day working practices of these services. Based on interviews with 26 practitioners working in Black and minority ethnic (BME)2 specialist services in England and Wales, this briefing paper explores the impact of the pandemic on domestic violence in BME communities and on the services that support them.