The recent events have led UN-Women, women’s rights activists, and government bodies worldwide to express concern about the surge in domestic violence during the Covid-19 crisis. Several countries, including Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Cyprus, Singapore, and Australia, have shown an upward trend in reports of violent incidents. Additionally, India’s National Commission for Women (NCW) has recorded a more than twofold increase in gender-based violence. The underlying causes are believed to be increased tensions and stresses caused by concerns over health, security, and finances due to the pandemic restrictions.
The Rise in Domestic Violence and its Effects on Women
The ramifications of an upswing in domestic violence are far-reaching. They significantly affect female wellbeing, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health. Women’s ability to participate productively and lead during societal and economic recovery is also compromised. Moreover, the surge in violence makes it challenging to achieve Sustainable Development Goal -5 (SDG-5) -Gender equality.
Challenges Posed by the Covid-19 Pandemic
Domestic violence, already a prevalent human rights violation before the pandemic, has only escalated as the Covid-19 crisis persists. In 2019-20, there were about 243 million victims of physical or sexual abuse by an intimate partner, ranging from ages 15-49. With the ongoing pandemic, this number is expected to rise. Unfortunately, less than 40% of these women seek help or report the crime, and a mere fraction, less than 10%, approach the police.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, reporting such incidents is even more challenging. Limited access to phones, helplines, and disrupted public services such as police, justice, and social services all contribute to this issue. Consequently, survivors are denied the necessary support, including clinical management of rape and mental health and psycho-social support. These disruptions also inadvertently promote impunity for the culprits.
In many countries, the law falls short in protecting women. One in four countries lack laws that protect women explicitly from domestic violence.
Suggested Measures to Address the Violence
To tackle the escalating violence against women, urgent measures need to be incorporated into economic aid and stimulus packages. These solutions should match the severity and extent of the challenge and cater to women confronting multiple forms of discrimination.
Support for grassroots and women’s organizations, communities, and their frontline roles in this crisis is crucial. The availability and accessibility of helplines, psychosocial support, and online counseling need to be enhanced. There is a need for innovative, technology-driven methods such as SMS, online tools, and networks expanding social support, with particular focus on reaching women without access to phones or internet.
Enforcing high priority to incidents of violence against women and girls by police and justice services can help ensure there’s no impunity for offenders.
About UN Women
UN Women is the United Nations entity committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment. As a global advocate for women and girls, it was established to hasten progress towards fulfilling the needs of women worldwide.
