Cumbria Police says it has doubled its efforts to tackle domestic abuse, amidst concerns the coronavirus lockdown has led to a rise in offending.

Domestic abuse charity Refuge says it has seen a significant rise in the number of calls to its National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

In the week commencing March 30, from Monday to Friday, the helpline saw a 25 percent increase in calls when compared to the same period two weeks ago.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan St Quintin, Cumbria Constabulary’s lead for domestic abuse, said: “We haven’t seen an influx (of cases reported since the lockdown). Our data shows that reporting of domestic abuse is staying the same. Our usual reporting rates are about the same going back to January, which is positive.

“My concern is domestic abuse is becoming more hidden because people are being told to stay at home. But please understand that domestic abuse services are still there, it’s business as usual.

“We have doubled our efforts to get people to report the cases.

“So please, if you are concerned about anyone who you think is suffering from domestic abuse, get on the pone and report it to the police. Do not let people suffer in silence.

“People shouldn’t feel guilty about coming forward. They shouldn’t feel like they are causing us trouble.

“I would also like to mention the Cumbria Together website which lists all the services still available which offers support to people across the county.”

Other advice lines on domestic abuse include the Bright Sky App, and Respect Helpline UK on 0808 802 4040 - for anyone thinking of inflicting violence on someone.

Rebecca Robson, senior officer at Women’s Community Matters, said: “We are experiencing a similar increase to the national helplines in our services. One of the things we run is the champions network which supplies information through regular newsletters.

“There is a real worry and risk that the level of abuses of abuse are going to increase during isolation, but the support services are still here. In an emergency though, always ring the police.”