A Staffordshire domestic abuse support service is preparing for a possible increase in referrals following the reopening of schools.

Commissioned by Staffordshire police and crime commissioner Matthew Ellis in 2018, New Era provides emotional support, practical help and a range of advocacy services to any children and adults in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent affected by domestic abuse – victims and their families, as well as perpetrators who want support to change their abusive behaviour.

New Era takes referrals from victims via its 24-hour confidential helpline, live webchat, and via third parties, such as teachers, police officers and social workers, so long as consent is given.

Chantelle Thompson, New Era's head of service, is worried that before returning to schools, many local children may not have had the chance to report their abuse.

She said: "There's no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has brought added emotional, financial and other pressures for many families, especially in households where there's an abusive relationship.

"Domestic abuse can be an incredibly isolating experience and many people have seen their normal routes to support reduced or closed off completely due to social distancing and other regulations.

"Whilst we've seen an increase in enquiries in recent weeks from children and young people seeking advice and support from New Era's specialist teams, we're concerned there may be others who have been unable or reluctant to seek the help they need, for various reasons.

"Young people who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse often choose to confide in their teacher or other adult they trust, so returning to school might be the first opportunity they've had to open up.

"We're committed to working with teachers and other professionals to give any youngsters affected by domestic abuse – and their families – the right support and urge them to get in touch with us."

New Era has continued to provide one-to-one support throughout the lockdown period.

Support for victims is provided by Victim Support and services for people who want help to change their abusive behaviour are provided by the Reducing Reoffending Partnership. Together they make up New Era.

Both parts of the New Era service have specialist teams who work with children and young people as well as adults. They do this either on a one-to-one basis, or through group work, according to the needs of the individual person.

The victim side of the New Era service also has advisors who are specifically trained to support male victims and members of the LGBT and BAME communities.

New Era's confidential helpline for victims – 0300 303 3778 – operates 24-hours a day, while the helpline for perpetrators is 01785 601690 and is available during normal office hours, Monday to Friday.