UN chief warns against rise in domestic violence amid coronavirus lockdowns

UNITED NATIONS United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Sunday warned against a rise in domestic violence due to growing worries and pressures as a result of lockdowns and quarantines to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“I recently called for an immediate global ceasefire to focus on our shared struggle to overcome the pandemic,” said the UN chief. “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,” said Guterres. The UN secretarygeneral noted that lockdowns and quarantines are essential to suppressing COVID-19, “but they can trap women with abusive partners.” “Over the past weeks as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence,” said the UN chief.

He said that in some countries, the number of women calling support services “has doubled,” adding that meanwhile, healthcare providers and police are overwhelmed and understaffed and local support groups are “paralyzed or short of funds.” “Some domestic violence shelters are closed; others are full,” he noted. The UN chief 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,” said Guterres. He suggested 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. “Women’s rights and freedoms are essential to strong, resilient societies,” he said.

(Xinhua)