Respect Phoneline service review 2020-21

The Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline, email, and webchat service for male or female domestic abuse perpetrators in same-sex or heterosexual relationships, as well as those supporting them.

In 2020-21, the helpline saw a surge in demand from perpetrators with nowhere else to turn, and an increase in the frequency and severity of abuse, as couples spent more time locked down at home.

Overall demand for the Respect Phoneline increased by 97%, compared to 2019-20.

Calls increased by 68%, emails by 77% and webchats by 349%.

The report details how perpetrators' help-seeking was changing and how the Respect Phoneline team responded to meet the changing needs of the service users.