CHESHIRE has seen a doubling of domestic abuse cases since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a Crewe-based charity

My CWA (Cheshire Without Abuse) revealed the number of victims it is supporting, including both adults and children, doubled from 200 pre-Covid to 400 today.

The charity, based at the Lily Jones Support Centre in Brook Street, has been commissioned by Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane to provide domestic abuse support.

The commissioner has vowed to do all he can to support abuse victims and recently held a virtual meeting with the charity's staff to see the impact the increased demand is having on the support it provides.

A worrying trend is the severity of cases, with around 40 per cent being deemed high risk, meaning there is serious risk of harm or death to the victims.

In the last quarter alone staff have seen two suicides and 13 attempts on life - with two of those coming in the last week.

Last spring Mr Keane and Cheshire Police Chief Constable Darren Martland launched a campaign to encourage those suffering from domestic abuse to seek support.

This was following a rise in cases as a result of victims being trapped in their homes with their abusers in the first national lockdown.

Last November the commissioner secured Home Office funding for a scheme aimed at attempting to change the behaviour of perpetrators so as to reduce further incidents of abuse.

He is also working to apply for further government funding to address the increased demands as a result of Covid-19.

Mr Keane said: "There have been many tragedies throughout this pandemic and one has undoubtedly been the rise in domestic abuse.

"Domestic abuse can effect anyone in our communities, irrespective of their gender, age, sexual orientation or any other personal characteristic.

"Home should be a safe place, especially when it's where we're encouraged to stay in order to protect our health and that of our loved ones, family, friends and neighbours.

"But tragically for many people, home is not a safe place. We cannot, and must not, stand for this as a society.

"I'd also like to encourage anyone who is suffering in this way to please get in touch with support services - they are there to help."

Anyone who needs help or advice in the south Cheshire area can contact My CWA's domestic abuse hub on 0300 123 5101 at any time.

They can also call Cheshire Police on 101 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency call 999.