Victims of domestic abuse in Gwynedd and Anglesey are being reassured that support services are still available during the Covid-19 restrictions.

Gorwel, which is run by housing association Grŵp Cynefin, assisted more than 350 people per week before the current restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

And the organisation is predicting an rise in requests for help, with concerns that self- isolation could increase domestic tensions as well as remove opportunities for respite, such as work or the school run.

Gorwel has taken steps to ensure it can handle a surge in enquiries, and is urging people to get in touch with any service to help them through any difficulties they may face as a result of the stay-at-home order.

Gwyneth Williams, Gorwel manager, said: “We are acutely aware that there is a huge risk of an increase in domestic abuse instances.

“Our number one priority is to ensure the health of our employees while still delivering key support to those who need it and we have introduced measures in accordance with government guidelines.

“Our services are still operating during COVID-19.

“We have four refuges across Gwynedd and Anglesey that are places of safety and available 24 hours a day, which are funded by Gwynedd and Anglesey Housing Support Grant.

“We also provide specialist provision for children and young people, and a floating support project that works with other agencies to work with people in a medium-risk situation.

“We also run the Independent Domestic Violence Advisors service for high-risk referrals across North Wales in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) and funded by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.”

The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25 per cent increase in requests for help since the lockdown, with concerns that this will continue to grow.

Domestic abuse victims are allowed to leave home to seek help at refuges despite rules to stop coronavirus spreading, Priti Patel, home secretary, has said.

North Wales Police are reminding those experiencing abuse in the home that officers are still on hand to deal with perpetrators regardless of the government restriction measures.

Gorwel provides support to the homeless, victims of domestic abuse, and people over 55 who need assistance to continue living independently, across Gwynedd, Anglesey and Denbighshire.

Visit www.grwpcynefin.org and click on ‘Your Community’ to read more about Gorwel or call 0300 111 2122.

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Notes to editors:

Advice and guidance provided by Osian Ellis, Gorwel assistant manager, for people experiencing domestic abuse.

1. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and on you at all times. Download apps like Hollie Guard, which is activated by a shake or tap, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile
2. Don’t drink alcohol together as this increases the probability of a violent attack. If he or she insists, try and pour some lemonade into your drink. Alcohol reduces your ability to run, defend yourself and
3. If you have children, get them to pick a safe room in the house, preferably with a lock on the door and a phone, as well as teach them to dial 999 in an
4. Be extra aware of your surroundings and situations that could make you more vulnerable, for example walking up the stairs, combing your hair, using hair straighteners or cleaning with acid based
5. If you require help immediately, but can’t talk in safety, dial 999 followed by 55 to indicate that you can’t talk, but need
6. Live Fear Free Helpline Wales 24hrs 0808 80 10 800 or by text 24/7 on 07860 077333
7. Gorwel Gwynedd and Anglesey Domestic Abuse Service 0300 111 2121