‘Locked Inside’ video raises domestic abuse awareness during coronavirus emergency

Women’s Aid ABCLN says lockdown is having a direct impact on women and children affected by domestic abuse and the ‘Locked Inside’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers where home is not a safe place.

Speaking on the video, Women’s Aid staff who are working with women most at risk, say: “It’s not that the lockdown is the cause of domestic abuse, it certainly isn’t, but it is exacerbating it because one of the key tactics that abusers use is isolating their victims.

“At the moment for women who are stuck in the house with a perpetrator she will be pacifying. She will be on high alert; she will be safety planning - saying the right thing, doing the right thing so it doesn’t escalate.”

The video has been produced by Saorla Houston, commissioning director and creative producer at Dazed Media, working with the charity on a pro-bono basis while furloughed from her London-based role.

Saorla says “Not being safe in your own home is a very scary prospect but is the reality for many women in Northern Ireland and beyond, particularly while we are in lockdown during this pandemic. I wanted to create a video that highlighted the danger for women who are in lockdown with domestic abusers.

“The video shows the outside of houses at dusk as the curtains are being closed to convey the tension of night falling and the idea that we don’t always know what is going on behind closed doors.

“Not only are women physically locked inside due to current restrictions but they are locked inside emotionally, holding everything together, particularly for their children.”

Women’s Aid staff speaking on the video say: “Don’t feel that you are stuck. Don’t ever feel that there isn’t a way out. We want women to know you are not alone. Women’s Aid ABCLN is here for you and help is available.”

If you are affected by domestic abuse you can call Women’s Aid ABCLN on 028 25 632136.

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