WOMEN have been reminded they are “not a burden” as those seeking support from domestic abuse shot up 45 per cent during the pandemic lockdown.

Support agencies pledged their backing for survivors and other affected family members as council bosses confirmed the number of victims left homeless had also gone up.

West Dunbartonshire Council said the number of homeless presentations was 45 between March and June, compared to 37 the year before.

And Clydebank Women’s Aid (CWA) said their figures have shown a 45 per cent rise in women seeking support.

Agencies, campaigners and charities were emphatic from the start of the lockdown in March that domestic abuse could be one of the serious side-effects as victims were trapped indoors with their attackers.

A council spokeswoman told the Reporter: “West Dunbartonshire Council recognises the challenges that this pandemic has created, especially for those experiencing domestic abuse.

“Our efforts to end domestic violence continue, and the support, advice and information offered by the council and partners has been widely promoted to ensure it is accessible to all residents throughout lockdown and beyond.

“Any resident experiencing difficulties can access advice and support here: west-dunbarton.gov.uk/emergencies/domestic-abuse/.”

CWA warned lockdown had been a real struggle for women and their families.

The charity said: “For women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse their lockdown experience has not been one filled with baking, DIY or Zoom quizzes, it has been one spent under the constant watch of their abuser – walking on eggshells at every possible moment.”

The charity adapted their services as quickly as they could when lockdown started in March, recognising the “detrimental and life threatening” period for women, children and young people.

CWA said: “We have seen a stark rise in the number of women reaching out for support and a clear increase in local services such as housing associations and the police referring women to our service.

“This is a rise of around 45 per cent when compared to the same period last year. We have worked closely with West Dunbartonshire Council’s homeless team to ensure the safety of as many women, children and young people who needed, and asked for, safe and alternative accommodation.”

But they said: “A running theme of women who contacted us, and one we hear often, is, ‘I don’t want to be a burden’.

“We want to stress that no woman, child, or young person who has ever been in touch with our service, or will use our service in the future, will ever be considered a burden.

“We are committed to and strive to work tirelessly for those who use our service to ensure they have the safe space needed to consider all the options open to them and we will support every choice that is made.”

The charity said there was no “hierarchy of abuse” and that all forms have adverse impact on the women, children and young people.

They added: “We will support you. Your experiences and feelings are valid, and you are not a burden.”