UK lockdown: Calls to domestic abuse helpline jump by half

Calls to a national domestic abuse helpline rose by 49% and killings doubled weeks after lockdown, a report by MPs has revealed. Following the 'surge' in violence, the report called for a government strategy on domestic abuse during the pandemic. MPs also said 'safe spaces', where victims can seek help, should be rolled out to supermarkets and other shops. The Home Office said it was increasing funding to support helplines and online services. Researchers at the Counting Dead Women Project told MPs 14 women and two children had been killed in the first three weeks of lockdown.