Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced the Home Office is working with charities and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner to provide up to £2 million, in order to help victims of domestic abuse.

This will also tie into a new public awareness campaign highlighting that if anyone is at risk of, or experiencing domestic abuse, help is still available.

Speaking at today’s press briefing, Patel explained there has not yet been a sustained rise in reports of domestic abuse to the police, but that there has been an ‘extremely concerning’ increase in those seeking help for domestic abuse.

Patel said: “In the last week the National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120 percent increase in the number of calls it received in one 24 hour period.

“While we have not yet seen a sustained rise in reports of domestic abuse to the police, this increase in those seeking help for this hidden crime is extremely concerning.

“Be in no doubt there will be absolutely no let-up in our operational response.

“For the victims of these crimes, home is not the safe haven that it should be, and that is why I have been working with law enforcement, charities, schools, businesses and local councils to address this change in threat picture.”

Announcing the additional funding, Patel added: “I’m also providing up to £2 million to enhance online support services and the helplines for domestic abuse so that anybody who needs that help and support can access that support.”

She also advised anyone in danger should dial 999 and press 55 on a mobile if they are unable to talk.

“Our outstanding police will absolutely be there for you,” Patel said.

Patel explained that with the new campaign the government is launching a ‘symbol of hope’, a handprint with a heart on it, so that people can ‘easily show that we will not tolerate abuse as a society, and that we stand in solidarity with victims of domestic abuse’.

She said: “I would urge everyone to share it on social media or in the windows of your home, alongside a link to the support available, to demonstrate just how much this country cares.

“And to show victims of domestic abuse: you are not alone.”

Sandra Horley, CBE, chief executive of national domestic abuse charity Refuge said in a statement earlier today: “Refuge is grateful for the Government’s support at this critical time. We have worked around the clock to ensure our national helpline and frontline specialist services remain open and accessible to women experiencing domestic abuse.

“What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure every woman experiencing domestic abuse is aware of the confidential support available.

“We hope the Government’s campaign will reach the tens of thousands of people experiencing domestic abuse, helping send the message – you are not alone.”