In Croydon during the first lockdown a campaign was launched for victims experiencing domestic abuse to ask staff in participating stores including Lidl and Tesco in Thornton Heath for access to a phone, to use to call for support and advice.

Statistics revealed in the six weeks up to 19 April there were a shocking 200 domestic abuse arrests – almost five a day – in Croydon. 

The police were also called to 561 domestic abuse offences in the borough during this period – around 13 offences a day.

Posters publicising where domestic abuse victims can seek help were put up in every one of the borough’s 400 off-licences and supermarkets.

A review by Croydon Safeguarding Children Board in February 2019 of the experiences of 60 children in the borough – many of whom have been criminally or sexually exploited, and involved in serious violence found domestic violence had featured in 42 per cent of cases with 23 of the children coming to the notice of the police due to reports of domestic abuse.

Research confirms that exposure to domestic abuse as a child can have a lifelong impact on not only a child’s development but their ability to learn and form relationships.

It can also impact on their behaviour.If you need help, support or advice please call the FJC on 020 8688 0100. Those needing support outside of the centre’s opening hours can call the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Hotline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, call the police on 999.