BEING forced to stay home is similar to being held captive if you’re in an abusive relationship, a leading Southend councillor has warned.

Women’s charities have spoken out insisting the coronavirus outbreak will lead to increased domestic violence - with thousands of incidents reported in Essex last year.

The charities warn that perpetrators will use the isolation period as a “tool of coercive and controlling behaviour”, and that women and children are consistently more vulnerable during periods of societal stress.

Southend Councillor Daniel Cowan, who has worked closely with the White Ribbon campaign Southend, said: ‘Lockdown is akin to being held captive if you’re in an abusive relationship.

“You’re stuck in four walls with your abuser. That’s terrifying.

“Sadly, I think domestic abuse will rise during lockdown and the pandemic.

“There’s a lot of emotion and worry in the air at the moment.

“It can trigger behaviour in men that may have not been displayed in a long time.

“Women may find it difficult to keep medically safe and may be accused of overreacting.”

The latest Home Office data shows Essex Police recorded 15,368 domestic abuse-related incidents in 2018-19.

The White Ribbon campaign aims to end male violence against women.

Mr Cowan added: “It’s a worry but the support is still there. It’s vitally important that it is. With the stretch in resources, finding a safe haven may be a challenge.

“Essential services must still be delivered. It can save lives.”

A joint statement from Women’s Aid, End Violence Against Women and several others warns Covid-19 will have serious impacts on the lives of women and children as “home is not always a place of safety”.

They said: “We know perpetrators will use infection control measures as a tool of coercive and controlling behaviour.

“Access to support for women and children may also shrink further due to social isolation and those in poverty will be severely impacted.

“Measures to decrease social contact are likely to have significant mental health impacts on the population, and this could be acute for survivors coping and recovering from trauma.” Contact White Ribbon in Southend on 08003580351