Authorities are preparing for a spike in domestic abuse cases during the UK's coronavirus lockdown, a senior police officer has told Sky News.
Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, from West Midlands Police, said data from China and Italy suggested incidents could "increase by three-fold" over the coming weeks, and that some abusers have already tried to manipulate the crisis.
"We did have one or two cases last week where offenders told us 'you cant arrest me, I've got COVID-19' but yes we can," she said.
"We have appropriate custody facilities set up, so we can still arrest people, we can still deal with them and we can ensure that we can keep victims safe at this difficult time."
Sky News spoke to one victim who said being told to stay home with an abusive partner had made things "much more intense".
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"Usually it's quite easy to get out and away from a situation but obviously at times like this you can't get out and away. Routes of escape are very, very limited."
Additional financial hardship due to job losses, looking after children full-time and many more hours at home were also adding to the strain.
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"There's more pressure about money, with alcohol. It's absolutely draining, emotionally and mentally," they continued.
"I wake up, dreading to wake up. And go to sleep, dreading to go to sleep because I know I'll have to wake up and do it all again."
Home Secretary Priti Patel has pledged that domestic abuse victims who are isolated with their abusers during the virus lockdown will not be forgotten.
Ms Patel told the Mail on Sunday she was aware that home was not a "safe haven" for everyone and vowed domestic abusers will be punished for their crimes.
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She said: "I am acutely aware that the necessary guidelines about social distancing and self-isolation may leave the victims of hidden crime, such as domestic abuse and child sexual abuse, feeling especially isolated, vulnerable and exposed.
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