Cost of living crisis hits abuse victims:
This week’s anticipated massive rise in the cap on energy prices, and the latest predictions of spiralling inflation potentially exceeding 18% next year, are creating the conditions for a ‘perfect storm’ in our society which will not only be catastrophic for millions of people on low incomes or benefits but could also result in thousands more women suffering from escalating abuse and deteriorating mental health.
Pressures on family finances are accepted as a major contribution to the breakdown of relationships. From my own experience it increases the likelihood of partners becoming both physically and mentally abusive or where the relationship is already in a bad place the situation can reach breaking point and lives can ultimately be put at risk through physical violence or suicide.
The accelerating cost of living crisis is being exacerbated further with unprecedented rises in energy costs. In my view, women will take much of the pressure in trying to balance the family budget, put food on the table for their children and try to make ends meet.
I believe we will see a rise in abuse and coercive control which will create isolation, a feeling of being trapped and helpless, together with rapidly declining mental health, for thousands of women across the country.
Therefore, I feel it is inevitable that the cost-of-living crisis will generate a domestic abuse crisis and if the new Prime Minister, this government, in fact all political parties and agencies, do not act decisively together, they will have blood on their hands this winter.
Forget about vote-winning policies and take bold steps to help those in need the most now! Accelerate policy change with effective strategies to tackle the growing tide of domestic abuse and the pressure that’s putting on social and mental health services.
This is a national emergency. Those in power must take urgent action before it becomes a national disaster.
