Covid-19 is exacerbating a domestic abuse crisis in the country. Lockdown has seen a surge in calls to domestic abuse services and a reported increase in domestic abuse killings.

This crisis is intensifying – but it is not new. The system was already at breaking point. Domestic abuse services have long been underfunded, and not all victims have equal access to support.

For some, it can be almost impossible to get help. Migrant women often do not have access to public funds in the UK, which means they are turned away from refuge beds.

They are also often too scared to go to the police or hospital, for fear they will be reported to immigration enforcement and detained or deported.

With the Domestic Abuse Bill back in Parliament, our MPs have a chance to update the domestic abuse legislation in this country so that it prioritises the health and safety of all domestic abuse victims, no matter where they are from.

We value the important work that local organisations do to support both those affected by domestic abuse, and those who are refugees or migrants. The Government must build a fairer system that ensures all women can escape abuse to safety and leaves no victim behind.

Sarah Hagger-Holt, Annabel Foley, Chanda Shome

On behalf of the members of Watford Amnesty International group