It has been over 2 years since Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage became a ‘Champion’ of charity Hestia’s ‘UK Says No More’ campaign, to end domestic violence and sexual abuse across the UK. This week, she is supporting the charity for their ‘No More’ Week (7th to 13th March 2021).
Back in November 2020, the ONS reported a 7% increase in domestic abuse from 2019, and 18% increase from 2018. While they stated that it is not possible to determine what impact the pandemic has had on increases last year, 67.4% of survivors who are currently experiencing abuse told Women’s Aid that it had got worse since COVID-19.
Caroline is signposting constituents across Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent to support that is available to them, from free rail travel to how to signal to a 999 operator that you are in danger without speaking. In addition, she is encouraging pharmacies in the Gosport Constituency to sign up to the Ask For ANI scheme with the Home Office, where victims can ask staff for ANI (pronounced Annie) and be taken to a safe space and offered assistance.
Caroline commented:
“As a Champion of Hestia I am proud to support their #NoMoreWeek to raise awareness of domestic and sexual abuse.
“It is estimated that there are over 2 million people across the UK who face domestic abuse, which has only be exacerbated by the pandemic.
“While I know that we can feel more isolated during this time, support is out there whenever victims need it.”