'Coronavirus lockdown is not responsible for domestic abuse - people are.'

That is the simple message Christine Roach, the chairman of a domestic abuse helpline, wants to get across to those who may be victims of abuse during this pandemic.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline provides a confidential free service for anyone affected by domestic abuse in Hertfordshire.

No names are asked for nor any personal information. Callers are talked through their situation with a trained call-taker who can them signpost the caller to services most likely to be able to help them.

In the last month, Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline has recorded a 13 per cent rise in the number of calls, with a 33 per cent rise in the number of visits to its website.

Home is meant to be a safe place for many, but in reality it can be completely the opposite for some.

For some victims, lockdown has only intensified the situation they find themselves in because they believe it is more difficult to call for help.

Examples of abuse could be physical or sexual, coercive control, psychological, or financial abuse.

Helpline chairman Ms Roach said: "Coronavirus lockdown is not responsible for domestic abuse - people are. That’s what we all need to remember.

"What the lockdown has done, is heighten awareness of issues which have been hidden in our society for years and years.

"Home is meant to be a safe place but for many it is the opposite.

"Many victims are now trapped with their abusers in a pressure cooker environment. They can’t leave the house and can’t call for help.

"They may have children, who are also suffering through being trapped with the abuser.

"Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline provides a confidential Freephone service for anyone affected by domestic abuse in the county."

The helpline is operating as normal during the lockdown period.

The domestic abuse support charity works closely with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council.

For support or advice, call 08 088 088 088 on weekdays between 9am and 9pm and at weekends between 9am and 4pm.

Make sure to call 999 if someone is in immediate danger. If it is not safe to speak, use the Silent Solution and press 55 during the call which alerts the operator that the caller may be in danger.

For those who cannot or don't want to make a call, email Kim@mailpurple.org

Find out more at www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org