Domestic violence was “more severe” than normal during the pandemic leading to a spike in demand for victim support, a council report has revealed. Officers from Neath Port Talbot Council’s violence against women domestic abuse and sexual violence service revealed an increase in high-risk incidents with the type of violence being worse than usual.

A report by council officers shows a “spike” in domestic abuse cases was anticipated at the beginning of the pandemic, both locally and nationally.

However, the increased demand for support has “remained consistent across all services”.

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, the council saw a 40% increase in demand for support services, including independent domestic violence advisors, who support victims at risk of harm or homicide.

You can read the full article from Wales Online below:

Source: Domestic violence reports ‘more severe’ during pandemic