THOSE fleeing from domestic abuse during the coronavirus outbreak are set to receive emergency supplies at police stations.

Victims of physical, emotional, finanical and other forms of abuse will be able to get support from Greater Manchester Police across Trafford.

There are plans for “grab bags” to be provided to those in need when they arrive at police stations across the borough.

These will include essentials like toothpaste, nappies, sanitary towels and panic alarms for those who are forced to flee their homes at short notice.

Council officials have teamed up with police to provide the items and have appealed to local supermarkets, chemists, denists and other stores to support the initiative by donating items.

As the UK entered lockdown, concerns for those living with abusive partners rose and the demand of domestic abuse services has risen nationally.

A Trafford Council spokesman said: “The aim is provide a basic care-bag to victims forced to flee their homes after suffering physical and emotional abuse.

“It is crucial that victims reach out for help during this heightened period of stress and anxiety.

“And we are working hard to put the right mechanisms in place so that vulnerable people have access to the support they need.”

This week, the National Domestic Abuse helpline reported a 25 per cent increase in calls for help since the national lockdown was implemented, according to the leading domestic abuse support charity Refuge.

The organisation said it received hundreds more calls once lockdown had begun compared to earlier weeks.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said the force is ‘committed’ to tackling domestic abuse, despite COVID-19 and the pressures that it brings.

They said: “We are currently working on a number of proactive initiatives with our partner agencies to protect those at risk.

“This includes these grab bags for people who may need to leave home suddenly following an incident of domestic abuse.

“We would urge anyone experiencing domestic abuse to reach out for help, and remind people that in an emergency where you cannot speak, you can dial 999 followed by pressing 55.”

Mark Heptinstall, the head of family law at legal firm Slater Heelis added: “The coronavirus pandemic continues to change the way we live our lives and can make life difficult for those already experiencing hardships at home.

“The strain caused to many households should not be underestimated."