Increase in reported domestic abuse in Integrated Sexual Health (ISH) services in London and Surrey during COVID-19 ‘lockdown: successful application of national guidance on routine enquiry during rapid transition to remote telephone consultation (telemedicine)

Individuals globally have experienced seismic shifts in their day-to-day lives due to measures adopted by governments to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Lockdowns’ have confined individuals to their homes, removing protective factors and access to key services. Previous public health emergencies exacerbated existing gender and intersectional inequalities1 2 and organisations warned of increased gender based violence and domestic abuse (DA).1 Such concerns have been realised with UN chief calling for action against a ‘horrifying global surge in domestic violence’.3 The UK ‘locked-down’ on 23 March 2020 and a Home Affairs Committee report described marked increases in calls to the national DA helpline,4 with escalations in violence and coercive control.4 Fourteen women and two children were reported killed by men between 23 March and 12 April, double the 3-week average.4

National guidance5 recommends routine enquiry about DA.

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