Evidence from previous lockdown restrictions has shown a direct increase in domestic abuse cases in Hounslow.

As Covid-19 related restrictions to Work From Home Where You Can came into place again last Monday, and with potential further restrictions to combat the Omicron variant, Hounslow Council have issued information on how to access support in the borough.

The Hounslow Domestic and Sexual Violence Outreach Service saw an 153% increase in referrals in April 2020, compared to the same period in the previous year (pre-covid).

Hounslow is a White Ribbon UK Town, which promises to 'Never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women'.

Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Communities and Climate Emergency, who supported the initiatives said: "We need to continue this vital work to end male violence against women and girls. We need to challenge it at every level, from misogynist language to domestic and sexual violence.

"Men need to be part of the solution - we need to encourage men in our communities to become allies, to speak out and get involved, in order to create a future in which women and girls feel safe in their communities."

Hounslow Council took part in 16 Days of Activism from 25 November to 10 December; an annual global campaign to raise awareness of, and eliminate, violence towards women and girls.

During the campaign, issues highlighted included; street harassment, domestic abuse, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based violence.

Learning to Respect, a domestic abuse healthy relationships education programme, co-ordinated White Ribbon activities with schools in the borough.

Chiswick School managed to raise £700 by selling white ribbons which they donated to a local domestic abuse charity.

Over the Christmas period The Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline will still be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0808 2000 247.

Their live chat can also be accessed Mon-Fri, 3pm-10pm on their website.

Hounslow residents can find information on keeping safe and local support services on the Council website.

If you are in immediate danger dial 999. If it is not safe for you to speak when on the phone with the Police you can dial 55.