How Can You Self-Isolate Safely if the Danger Is at Home?
As the Coronavirus outbreak continues, we recognise that COVID-19 will have a particular and disproportionate effect on women, particularly those experiencing poverty, illness or who are at risk of domestic abuse. How can you self-isolate safely if the danger is at home?
There are strong connections between Feminists throughout the UK and beyond. As many of you move to self-isolation, do reach out if you need help. We will support each other in every way that we can. We will do our best to connect you to local women and make sure that no one is alone and unsupported.
If you are in a vulnerable position the following advice is very important:
If possible keep your mobile charged and near you. Agree on a code word with friends/family so that they know when to send help if you text or call them. For instance, you could agree that a blank text means you need the police urgently. If your neighbours are aware of the situation, let them know that they should call the police if they hear a disturbance.
If you have children, talk to them about where they can go to keep safe if the perpetrator becomes abusive. Emphasize that in this situation their priority is to get to safety first and then call help, not to try and intervene.
Also agree on a code word with your children as a way to safely instruct them to leave. It’s good to plan in advance possible escape routes from each room, and for during the day and night.
You know the abuser best, listen to your instincts and if things start to escalate avoid the kitchen, garage or anywhere that might have potential weapons. If you can’t get out, lock yourself in a room and call the police.
If possible keep your bank cards, a little cash and car keys (if you have them) in a safe accessible place. If you are able, stash an overnight bag with friends or family. Include details of ID, Driving licence, passport etc.
Here are some additional organisations that may be helpful:
Women’s Aid (the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children), Refuge (supporting women,children & men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services), and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be reached 24/7 on 0808 2000 247.
For our Sisters with hearing issues DeafHope can be contacted at: da@signhealth.org.uk
For any Sisters with disabilities, the Ann Craft Trust have useful information covering a range of issues.
Muslim Women’s Network is 0800 999 5786.
Jewish Women’s Aid is 0808 801 0500.
Southall Black Sisters can be reached on 0208 571 0800 (MWF 9.30am - 4.30pm).
In addition to the above helplines, you can also make use of the Hollie Guard App, which turns your smartphone into an advanced personal safety device at the touch of a button.
The current crisis may cause or worsen any financial difficulties. For advice or support the Citizen’s Advice Bureau can be very helpful, and this booklet is excellent and covers most aspects of economic help or support that might be needed.
The FiLiA team is continuing to organise for our conference in Portsmouth and in the meantime, there are a large number of Podcasts, Blogs, and Diary Entries to engage with. Recent material includes FiLiA meets: Sam Walshe (working with sexually exploited women), FiLiA meets: Bev Jackson (co-founder of LGB Alliance), FiLiA meets: Manu Schon (anti-prostitution activist), FiLiA meets: Mandy Sanghera (community consultant and global campaigner), E= Greenham Women, and Marta’s Report from Chile.
FiLiA is a women-led Volunteer organization and throughout this crisis, we will continue to build Sisterhood and Solidarity (locally, nationally, globally), amplify the voices of women (particularly those less often heard or purposefully silenced), defend women’s human rights, and work towards to liberation of us all.
By JS
Link to further blog on COVID-19: Who is included in the emergency response to COVID-19