BCHA, a charity in the South West which helps victims of domestic abuse, is reaching out to adults and children who could be suffering behind closed doors during the coronavirus lockdown.

The charity wants to reassure women in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that support is only one phone call away.

BCHA's business manager for domestic abuse services locally, Donna Cullimore said: "We know that lockdown will have a serious impact on the lives of many families as they are forced to self-isolate. One of the ways that abusers control their victims is to isolate them from friends and family, and lockdown plays into the hands of the aggressor.

"Enforced isolation due to Covid-19 may increase coercive control/domestic abuse, such as assaults, threats, intimidation and other forms of physical and psychological aggression."

Donna also stated that lockdown has already led to three referrals where victims have sought safety at the local refuges.

BCHA has a dedicated Domestic Violence outreach service covering Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (9am - 5pm, 7 days a week) – ring 01202 710777 or email abusesupport@bcha.org.uk

Please contact the line for advice or if you need a refuge space, if it is safe to do so.

The refuge freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number is: 0808 2000 247