Lockdown causing sharp rise in domestic violence cases
By TIOL News Service
NEW DELHI, APR 06, 2020: BESIDES devastation and killing, COVID19 is also causing untold human suffering. THE UN agencies have recorded sharp surge in domestic violence as a consequence of lockdowns across the world. In some countries, the number of women calling support services has doubled.
Meanwhile, healthcare providers and police are overwhelmed and understaffed. Local support groups are paralyzed or short of funds. Some domestic violence shelters are closed; others are full.
In this background, the UN Secretary General has urged all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19.
++ That means increasing investment in online services and civil society organizations;
++ Making sure judicial systems continue to prosecute abusers.
++ Setting up emergency warning systems in pharmacies and groceries.
++ Declaring shelters as essential services.
++ And creating safe ways for women to seek support, without alerting their abusers.
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