A local domestic violence charityis moving to bigger premises and expanding its team to accommodate an enormous surge in demand during the pandemic.
Since September, Domestic Violence Assist has recruited 20 volunteer advisers – mostly retired legal professionals – alongside six full-time case workers to run their 24/7 helpline.
22,000 referrals from police forces, social services, housing associations and charity organisations flooded in throughout 2020 – double the total for 2019.
Since Christmas Day, the charity has dealt with 2,800 cases of domestic abuse – with January expected to be its busiest ever month.
The rise in referrals has seen DV Assist move to a larger space in South Manchester – a move made possible by grants from Forever Manchester and the National Lottery Community Fund.
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Founder and chief executive of DV Assist Luis Labaton said there was “no doubt” that the pandemic has played a role in the big rise of domestic violence and abuse, but confirmed the charity was well-equipped to handle the growing caseload.
He stated: “Many people living with controlling, abusive and unpredictable partners have effectively become trapped at home during the various lockdowns and since the introduction of the tier system.
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“The COVID-19 crisis has increased domestic tension and led to more physical, sexual and financial and emotional abuse.
“With fewer visitors to the home, evidence of abuse may have gone unnoticed and therefore not brought to the attention of the various agencies. We have also seen cases where single parents have had their children taken by partners during the lockdowns and not returned due to the situation.
“More victims – men and women – have sought assistance from us. The intensity and pattern of abuse appears to have escalated, while at the same time access to other resources offering help has reduced due to the impact of the pandemic.”
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Other charities have also experienced busy months.
The NSPCC also received a record number of calls in November 2020 – stating that domestic abuse harming children is being reported 50 per cent more during the pandemic.
The rules state that domestic abuse victims do not have to remain at home in lockdown if they need to seek help and assistance.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has reiterated this message in a letter earlier this month, stating: “I fully agree on the vital need to continue to remind victims of abuse that they do not have to observe restrictions if they need to leave home to seek refuge or help.
“This was a message recently repeated by the Prime Minister when announcing the new national measures, and we will continue to take every opportunity to reinforce this.”
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DV Assist is the UK’s only registered charity specialising in arranging civil protection orders for victims of domestic abuse – covering non-molestation injunction orders, prohibited steps orders and occupation orders.
For more information, visit DVA Assist online and on Twitter at @_DVASSIST.
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French fine dining spot 63 Degrees confirms closure after 14 years
Danny Jones
One of Manchester’s long-standing French bistros, 63 Degrees, has now announced the business has closed its doors for good after nearly a decade and a half in the city centre.
The family-run fine dining destination first opened back in 2011, but after closing over the most recent festive period and despite all of us hoping and praying this year would be a healthier one for hospitality, they have become the sector’s latest casualty.
Having been one of the few classical spots of its kind left in central Manchester, not to mention boasting a spot on the Michelin guide, it’s a huge loss for Manchester food and drink.
The team have been silent on socials since August 2023 and no one needs any reminder of how challenging the industry is right now, so closures like these don’t exactly come as a surprise anymore, but it seems another big factor was at the heart of the decision.
It’s a logo most would instantly recognise.The initial plan was to stay open but it sadly hasn’t worked out.Credit: The Manc Group
Confirming the news to Manchester Confidential, 63 Degrees confirmed that their Christmas hiatus has now become permanent as many had suspected, with the highly-rated Northern Quarter spot closed permanently as of this week.
Founder Alexandre Moreau said that his parents, Head Chef Eric and mother Florence, have now returned to France following a period of ill health.
Speaking to the outlet, Moreau added: “I’m glad my parents have retired now. My dad was spending six days a week in the kitchen and got to the point where his whole body was hurting. He had a hard time finding people he could trust in the kitchen so he could not delegate that much.
“My mum’s health got worse in November last year so they decided it was time to stop and go back to France. Nothing you can do, unfortunately. Life will do that to all of us at some point.”
Revealing that the lease has now been handed over to the landlord, he signed off by stating, “They had a great run, but it’s a difficult job at that age.”
Shining not only as one of the few places left that still served traditional haute cuisine in our region but emerging as one of the spots that helped put NQ’s now thriving foodie scene on the map back in the day, we couldn’t think of a more fitting image to part on than this one:
We wish Alexandre and Eric all the best, as well as a speedy recovery to Florence back home, and sincerely hope they get to enjoy a slower pace of life after years of service and outstanding contribution to the world of Manc dining.
Unfortunately, 63 Degrees is just one of the most recent Manchester restaurants that have closed; we’re not even in mid-February yet and we’re already losing count of how many of these pieces we’ve had to write for various reasons.
That being said, the general consensus seems to be that it is impossibly hard for local businesses to keep afloat under the constant pressure of rising energy bills, business rates and a cost of living crisis that is preventing people from being able to eat out.
If institutions such as this and the likes of Almost Famous are struggling to survive, how on Earth can those much earlier into their journey be expected to survive? They need help and fast.
Three iconic Manchester bands nominated to join the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Emily Sergeant
Three of Manchester’s most iconic bands have been nominated for one of the most iconic music honours there is.
The legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – which is now in its 42nd prestigious year, having been founded back in 1983 – has this week announced a list of 14 performer nominees who are to be considered for induction in 2025, with some massively-famous names on the list including Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol, Outkast, and The White Stripes.
Arguably three of the biggest names up for consideration this year, however, are not only some of Manchester‘s most iconic bands but some of the most iconic of all time.
Artists or bands become eligible for nomination to be inducted once 25 years has passed since releasing their first commercial recording.
Now that the 14 nominees have been named, ballots are set to be distributed to an international voting panel that’s made up of more than 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals.
Judges will decide who to induct into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame based on the artist’s impact on music culture, influence on other musicians that have followed, as well as the scope and longevity of their career and body of work.
Three iconic Manchester bands have been nominated to join the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame / Credit: Jill Furmanovsky | Dena Flows
Inductees entering the Hall of Fame fall under three special committee categories – Musical Influence, Musical Excellence, and the Ahmet Ertegun Non-Performer Award.
“These remarkable nominees have each created their own musical style and attitude, impacting generations of music lovers and contributing to the ever-evolving sounds and continued growth of rock & roll,” commented John Sykes, who is the Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, as the nominations were announced this week.
Will Oasis or Joy Division / New Order make it though?
Well, only time will tell, as the 2025 performer inductees will be revealed in late April, with the grand Induction Ceremony taking place in Los Angeles later this autumn.