Younger women are calling Swindon’s domestic abuse hotline as the pressures of the coronavirus lockdown boil over, the boss of the town’s domestic violence charity said.

Emma Rawlings, chief executive of Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, said the charity’s helpline had seen an increase in calls.

“We’re seeing reports coming in from other countries they’re seeing a 20, 30 or 40 per cent increase in domestic abuse cases. We are starting to see that,” she said.

“Over the past few days we are seeing calls from younger women. That might be down to new relationships where young people have decided to live together. The cracks may have already been there in that relationship or they’ve got into difficulties.”

Lockdowns imposed by governments across the world in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus have resulted in domestic violence spikes. In China’s Hubei province, where the pandemic started, campaigners said violence tripled in just one county.

Ms Rawlings said three women had come into the Swindon charity’s refuge in the past week. “Covid may have forced things to happen sooner.”

She called on victims or those worried about a relative or friend to call their helpline on 01793 610610 or get in touch with the charity via Facebook or online. She said: “I don’t want any woman out there on her own, feeling like she can’t ask for help.”

Wiltshire Police is preparing for a domestic violence to rise during the lockdown – as other incidents like car smashes fall.

“The reality is that we know that lockdown will in some households cause an increase in tension because people that would otherwise be spending a lot of time together now will be,” said Det Supt Ben Mant, who leads the team of detectives investigating domestic violence and child abuse.

“For some families that will be really positive, but we know in abusive households that will cause extra pressure. We are concerned abuse will occur behind closed doors.

“I’ve got a real concern that people think we’re only interesting in the Covid lockdown restrictions and the police aren’t interested in anything else. That absolutely isn’t the case.

“We are here to protect people and prevent crime. That’s our purpose. That hasn’t changed.

“We’re still here for victims to report abuse. We will still take positive action and we will arrest and if necessary prosecute those abusers.”

He said police were yet to see a spike in the number of domestic abuse calls, adding that it was currently similar to what the force would normally see in spring.

Supt Mant pointed to the coronavirus regulations, which specifically allow people to leave the house in order to flee danger.

That applied to abusers as well as victims. “If you feel that maybe you’re in danger of assaulting someone or if you feel you’re in danger of being assaulted then it’s still okay to leave the house under those circumstances.

“If you’re a victim that might help you to disclose what’s going on. If you’re the perpetrator you might need to have the confidence to say look, I’m really wound up at the moment, I’m not coping.

“There are also charities that do specific work with offenders to understand their behaviour and how to channel and re-direct them.”

Officers would continue to apply to courts for domestic violence protection orders, which prevent those accused of abusing another from returning home, even if it meant making the abuser homeless. Councils have a duty to find accommodation for the homeless during the lockdown.