How to counsel victims of domestic violence which has aggravated due to the stress created by lockdown?

​WHO’s LIVES approach can be used.  https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/136101/WHO_RHR_14.26_eng.pdf?sequence=1
L- Listen
I- Inquire about needs and concerns
V- Validate
E- Enhance Safety
S- Support
​SOP to address issues concerning threat of violence or actual instances of violence on a phone call:

• Check if they are talking to you from a safe space or else request them to move physically away from family members so that they are not heard
• Assess risk by exploring details of violence and mental health
• Find out whether this (threat or actual violence) has happened before as well
• Check whether they feel confident to handle this on their own or with the support of another family member
• Check what their expectation from you is…(i) They want to talk about it with someone but feel confident about handling it; (ii) They know what to do to mitigate risks and keep themselves safe if it were to escalate; (iii) They want referrals (nearest one stop centers, police, hospitals) to access now or later when the situation improves; (iv) Their existing mental health issue is getting worse and they need help with that
• Give them important numbers of police/helplines/mental health professionals etc. Refer  as  appropriate.

*This response is based on resources provided with Dr. Veena Satyanarayana, Dept. of Clinical Psychology. Her support is acknowledged with thanks.