Falkirk charity still helping abuse victims during Covid-19 crisis

That’s the message from Committed to Ending Abuse (CEA), formerly known as Falkirk and District Women’s Aid, who are all too aware that having to stay at home is a frightening prospect for some people.

Nationally, charities including Scottish Women’s Aid have warned that the lockdown could have serious consequences for people who find themselves facing either physical or emotional abuse and unable to leave their homes.

CEA in Falkirk say they have seen a rise in people getting in touch – and they want to assure anyone who is trapped in difficult relationships that they are still able to help.

“We’re keen to let people know we’re still very much in operation,” said Jennifer Sherlock, a team leader with the charity.

“We wouldn’t want people to think services are not carrying on and that they aren’t getting the help they need.”

While face to face meetings might not be possible, CEA can still provide help and support in different ways, working closely with Falkirk Council and Police Scotland.

“We’re doing what we normally do to keep people safe but we’re finding new ways to do it,” said Jennifer.

They stress that if anyone is in physical danger they should not hesitate to call the police.

“We’d encourage people to continue to phone or email us – but if you are in immediate danger you should phone 999.

“We have had assurances from the police that they have the capacity to respond to those calls,” said Jennifer.

The charity has two services; one supporting adults and one for children and young people and they can offer practical help as well as emotional support.

That includes working closely with Falkirk Council to offer safe accommodation to anyone leaving a controlling or abusive relationship.

Jennifer said: “We used to have our own refuge but we now have close links with the council to try and move away from putting people in temporary accommodation.”

Other practical support includes financial advice as well as crucial information on how people can keep themselves and their families safe.

And they also offer longer term emotional and psychological support, including counselling, to help people come to terms with their trauma and build their confidence to face the future.

“The lack of face to face meetings is a barrier but we’re still able to support people by phone or email or Facetime, as long as it is safe to do so,” said Jennifer.

At this time, they also want people to keep an eye out for friends, neighbours and family members who they think might be suffering abuse or controlling behaviour.

The team are aware that many of the people they support will suffer from anxiety – and while the coronavirus pandemic is a difficult time for many it is particularly hard on those who are already anxious.

This week, they have begun to support clients in a new way – distributing activity packs to young people they are supporting and wellbeing packs to adults, inset.

They’ve included things to get people through the lockdown including arts and crafts, mindfulness colouring books and other games and activities they can do safely indoors.

This was thanks to financial support from Falkirk Council’s Community Fund, STV Children’s Appeal and Kids Out. 

Call CEA on 01324 635661 or email [email protected] com for help or advice.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are in danger and unable to talk, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping into the handset. If you are calling from a mobile, wait until you are prompted and then press 55.