From all indications, there has been a notable spike in cases of domestic violence due to increased tensions in the household resulting from the huge impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on families. Countries, including Guyana, are engaged in a fierce battle to fight the spread of COVID-19, with most of them implementing total or partial lockdowns to contain the further spread of the disease. Limiting or controlling the movement of persons is perhaps the surest way of controlling the spread of the virus, but in some homes, this lockdown has resulted in women facing more pressure, and has even resulted in them being at the receiving end of some form of violence.
According to the United Nations, this upsurge in violence is not limited to one country or one region. Media reports are documenting an increase in violence across the globe – from Argentina, to China, Germany, Turkey, Honduras, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States to name just a few.
The UN recently pointed to reports from countries around the world which suggest that restrictions in movement, social isolation, coupled with increased social and economic pressures are leading to an increase in violence in the home.
A few days ago, the UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed detailed the many problems women are faced with during this lockdown and made recommendations in relation to various forms of support Governments and other partners could provide to ensure women are able to confront these challenges. According to Deputy SG Mohammed, women bear the brunt of increased care-work during this pandemic. School closures further worsen this burden and place more stress on women. The disruption of livelihoods and their ability to earn a living – especially for those women who are informal wage workers – will decrease access to basic needs and services. This situation increases stress on families with the potential to intensify conflict and violence.
According to the UN, women across the world are suffering even more now due to the extra economic and social stresses caused by a radical shift away from normal life. It is clear that when women and girls are ‘locked down’ in their homes with abusive partners, they are at much greater risk than ever before, she said.
According to Deputy SG Mohammed, not only are we seeing a huge increase in the number of women and girls being abused but also a greater complexity to the violence being perpetrated. Abusers are taking advantage of isolation measures knowing that women are unable to call for help or escape.
All of this is happening against a backdrop of health and social services that are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and having shifted to manage the implications of the virus.
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, households in Guyana were experiencing extremely tough financial times. The closure of the sugar estates had caused thousands to be jobless, which resulted in a host of social problems affecting communities across the country. Now with the political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic, one can only imagine how households are finding it difficult to cope.
The authorities here recently announced the setting-up of a hotline and safe space for women who may be experiencing some form of violence during the lockdown period. There were several measures, including counselling services, put in place by the Ministry of Social Protection’s Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit to provide the necessary assistance to women. This is indeed a commendable move, and all stakeholders should offer their support in whatever way they can to ensure women are protected and safe during these difficult times.
Civil society organisations which may have previously helped victims of violence are unable to operate. And the domestic violence shelters that have been able to remain open are often full; shelter managers are not equipped and scared to take in new victims because of the virus.
The UN has suggested that national governments in all countries dedicate funding in national COVID-19 response plans for domestic violence shelters; increased support to call-ins, including text services so reports of abuse can take place discreetly; online legal support and psychosocial services for women and girls. These are services which are run, in many cases, by civil society organisations, which now also need financial support.
According to the UN official, everyone has a responsibility to act, from individuals to governments, from the UN to business and civil society. Addressing gender-based violence must be at the centre of all domestic plans on COVID-19 response.
