UN Chief decries domestic violence surge amid COVID-19 lockdowns
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has decried a “horrifying global surge in domestic violence” against women and girls amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a video message on Sunday evening, Guterres linked the development to economic and social pressures occasioned by stay-at-home orders imposed by governments in response to the pandemic.
Peace is not just the absence of war. Many women under lockdown for #COVID19 face violence where they should be safest: in their own homes.
Today I appeal for peace in homes around the world.
I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/PjDUTrMb9v
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 6, 2020
“We know lockdowns and quarantines are essential to suppressing COVID-19, but they can trap women with abusive partners. “Over the last weeks, as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence. “In some countries, the number of women calling support services has doubled,” he stated.
The UN Chief noted that help might not come for the victims since the police and healthcare providers were already overwhelmed by the demands of the pandemic.
He added that “local support groups are paralyzed or short of funds”, while some domestic shelters are closed, and others full. Guterres, therefore, called for an end to violence in homes around the world.
“I recently called for an immediate ceasefire in conflicts around the world to focus on our shared struggle to overcome the pandemic.
“I appealed for an end to violence everywhere now. But violence is not confined to the battlefield. “For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest: in their own homes. “And so I make a new appeal today for peace at home, and in homes, around the world,” he said.