A NEW film has been made to help support people and families facing domestic abuse, neglect and violence during the coronavirus lockdown.

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The film, ‘Be Brave, Speak Up’, comes amid concerns that referrals into many services that support vulnerable families have dwindled since the lockdown, whilst others like Domestic Abuse services have seen a rise as couples and families are forced together for very long periods of time.

This is exacerbated by the fact that many of the agencies and staff trained to spot cases of abuse are operating differently during the lock down, and are not having their usual close contact with vulnerable people.

This includes schools, day care centres, children's centres.

EMBED VID HERE.

The video, which is available on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, features Liz Stead, head of Safeguarding Children at Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

It was made in partnership with the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership.

The key message is to urge neighbours, friends and other people within communities to keep an eye and an ear out for possible cases of abuse - and if they’re not sure if what they’ve seen or heard is abuse, then to err on the side of caution and report it.

Speaking about the film, Liz said: "Abuse and neglect are often hidden and subsequently identified when skilled workforces in day-to-day roles spot the signs.

"Now everyone is, quite rightly, obeying the government's guidance on staying at home, we know it can bring things to a head in a lot of households.

"People are worried about the virus, there’s uncertainty about employment and having the money to pay the bills and concern about not being able to see extended family and friends.

"Crucial family support networks are somewhat cut off because of isolation and social distancing.

"All this is a melting pot of very heightened emotions and the figures coming out from various agencies suggest a really worrying rise in domestic violence and concerns about hidden child abuse and neglect.

"Our concern is that cases of abuse escalate and go unreported because these trained professionals don’t have the usual access to those at risk.

"This is why we’d like everyone to watch and share the very short video which just gives some quick and easy advice on what to do to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults in our communities."

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Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership website links can be accessed here and here.