Domestic abuse killings double during lockdown as 14 women and two children lose lives

DOMESTIC abuse killings have doubled during the coronavirus lockdown following the deaths of 16 people, an MP report revealed.

Researchers from Counting Dead Women Project told MPs that 14 women and two children had been killed in the first three weeks of lockdown.

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They say it is the largest number in any three-week period for 11 years and more than double the average rate.​

The shocking report also revealed calls to a national domestic abuse helpline have also risen by 49 per cent since the restrictions were put in place.

Just days after the lockdown was introduced on March 23, a mum and daughter were knifed to death before the body of a dad was found in a house fire in Hemel Hempstead.

The trio were discovered from the burning home after a frantic neighbour spotted smoke.

Gary Walker, 57, died in the fire, with his wife Caroline, 50, and 24-year-old daughter, Katie, died from stab wounds on Sunday, March 29.
 Cops said no-one else is being sought in connection with the deaths.

On the same day, a dad shot his wife and two young daughters at their Sussex home before turning the gun on himself.

LOCKDOWN 'MURDERS'

Robert Needham, 42, is alleged to have murdered partner Kelly Fitzgibbons, 40, and their children Ava, five, and three-year-old Lexi after suffering from cash fears linked to the coronavirus outbreak.

Police have not commented on how they all died but were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

The Government is now facing calls from MPs for a full action plan to tackle a rising tide of domestic abuse since the coronavirus lockdown began.

The Commons Home Affairs Committee warned that without urgent steps to address the issue, families and communities would be dealing with the "devastating consequences" for a generation to come.

The emotional, physical and social scars from domestic abuse can last a lifetime. If we don't act to tackle it now, we will feel the consequences of rising abuse during the coronavirus crisis for many years to come.

Yvette Cooper

In its report, the committee said the UK - like countries around the world - had seen a rise in domestic abuse since the lockdown restrictions came into effect last month.

Calls to helplines for victims had increased markedly - with evidence incidents were becoming more complex and serious with "higher levels of violence and coercive control".

While the committee welcomed a public information campaign launched by the Government earlier this month, it said ministers needed to go further with a full action plan led and co-ordinated by the Home Secretary.

It said: "Without strong action to tackle domestic abuse and support victims during the Covid-19 pandemic, society will be dealing with the devastating consequences for a generation."

The committee said the plan should include access to information and support, prevention and outreach, housing support and refuge accommodation, as well as a "strong criminal justice response".

In particular, it said support services for domestic abuse and vulnerable children needed "urgent and direct funding" - otherwise victims would be put "at much greater risk of harm".

Committee chairman Yvette Cooper said: "Staying at home is an important part of the strategy to prevent coronavirus from spreading and save lives, but for some people home isn't safe.

"Urgent action is needed to protect victims and prevent perpetrators from exploiting the lockdown to increase abuse.

"The emotional, physical and social scars from domestic abuse can last a lifetime. If we don't act to tackle it now, we will feel the consequences of rising abuse during the coronavirus crisis for many years to come."

Safeguarding minister, Victoria Atkins, said: "The Government has prioritised those at risk of domestic abuse in this national health emergency.