Latest figures have revealed that the number of domestic abuse killings recorded in the UK are currently three times higher than this time last year.

Counting Dead Women - a project tracking the number of UK women killed by men - has found that domestic abuse killings have jumped sharply during the current lockdown period.

Since the UK lockdown was called on March 23, there have been at least 16 domestic abuse-related killings of women and children. This stands in contrast to just five recorded during the same period in 2019.

Some of the victims include Daniella Espirito Santo, a 23-year-old mother and care worker, who was recently found dead in her Grantham flat. Julio Jesus, 30, has been charged with ABH and manslaughter for her death.

Ruth Brown, 52, has also been named as one of the victims. She was found dead in a house in Bognor Regis on April 11. Wayne Morris, 47, has been charged with her murder.

Domestic abuse helpline calls up 49 per cent

In addition to an uptick in deaths, calls and contacts to the national domestic abuse helpline were up by 49 per cent in the week prior to April 15.

Chayn, a domestic abuse project, reported that visits to its website in March 2020 had trebled compared to the same month in 2019. The Men's Advice Line also saw an increase of 16.6 per cent in calls.

A new report by the Home Affairs Select Committee has now called for new schemes to ensure that victims can access the urgent help they need during lockdown.

The committee is calling for new ways for victims to access help though pharmacies and supermarkets, fresh emergency funding for support services, support for the 174,000 plus children who live in homes with reported domestic abuse cases, and a new guarantee of safe housing for individuals needing to leave their home during lockdown as a result of abuse.

What to do if you are in a domestic abuse situation

If you feel your life is in immediate danger, you should contact 999 for the emergency services.

The emergency line has a feature called the Silent Solutions System, in case you're afraid of being overheard making an emergency call. When the operator asks you which emergency service you require, dial 55 and the call will be transferred to your local police force as an emergency.

Otherwise, you can call 0808 2000 247 to speak to a member of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline team for free, 24 hours a day. The Helpline adviser will offer confidential, non-judgmental information and expert support.

You can find further resources and information on what to do if you, or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence by visiting nationaldahelpline.org.uk.