Publication - Advice and guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on domestic abuse
Guidance on domestic abuse to support the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 and Scottish Government guidance.
Overview
Lockdown restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been eased in Scotland, but people who have symptoms, and members of their households, are still being asked to isolate, and people in certain groups at particular risk from the virus are being advised to shield themselves. In addition, people arriving from certain countries abroad are required by law to self-isolate for a period after they arrive. But nothing in any of the advice or rules has ever prevented anyone from leaving home to escape or keep themselves safe from domestic abuse.
The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (International Travel) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 came into effect on Monday 8 June and some changes have been made since they first came into effect.
Unless you fall within an exemption you will:
- need to provide your journey and contact details when you travel to Scotland
- not be allowed to leave the place you are staying for the first 14 days you are in Scotland except in very limited situations (known as ‘self-isolating’)
These rules do not prevent anyone from leaving their home or place they are staying to escape or keep themselves safe from domestic abuse.
More information: Guidance for people entering or returning to the UK.
We are still advising the shielding group to take additional steps to minimise their chance of catching COVID-19 until at least 31 July.
More information: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: staying safe and protecting others
Purpose of this guidance
This guidance is intended to highlight that advice or rules on staying safe to protect yourself and others from the spread of the virus (such as self-isolating or shielding) do not prevent anyone from taking measures to escape or keep themselves safe from domestic abuse.
It is a Scottish Government priority that victims of domestic abuse and gender based violence get the support they need during these challenging times and are kept safe from harm. We have provided resources and links to support services.