Government news and campaigns
COVID-19 national lockdown
The Prime Minister announced a national lockdown on Monday 4th January, instructing people in England to stay at home. These restrictions became law on Wednesday 6th January.
People must only leave their homes for the following reasons:
- shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person.
- go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home.
- exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person, this should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
- meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one.
- seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
- attend education or childcare – for those eligible.
Further information about the the national lockdown and information for those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We have also attached an updated Stakeholder and Influencer toolkit. Please continue to to use the assets in the toolkit to share information with your networks.
Violence Against Women and Girls: Call for Evidence
The Home Office continues to run a Call for Evidence which is seeking to collect views on crimes considered as violence against women and girls (VAWG). The consultation will run until the 19th February.
In addition to those with lived experiences of these issues, we are seeking the views of those who have expertise working with victims and survivors, are involved in preventative activity or providing services, and academics. This includes relevant professionals, such as those working in social care, education, law enforcement, local government, public health and healthcare.
You can participate in the call for evidence by completing the public survey. The link to the survey is accessible only through the VAWG Call for Evidence GOV.UK page.
#YouAreNotAlone and Community Safeguarding campaign materials
The Home Office is currently running a number of campaigns in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In light of national lockdown we would like to remind you of the following campaigns, information and resources;
- #YouAreNotAlone aims to raise awareness and signpost to information and support available for victims, family/friends and perpetrators of domestic abuse. On GOV.UK there is full guidance and easy read guidance on getting help for Domestic Abuse during the coronavirus pandemic. An employer pack and translated campaign assets are available to download. There is more information in the partner pack attached.
- The Community Safeguarding Leaflet contains information and guidance for those who are still operating in communities and may not be trained to recognise the signs of abuse or neglect. The guidance covers signs to spot and what to do if there is a concern. You can view the Community Safeguarding Leaflet here.