Consequences of Corona: ‘Domestic Violence Increasing at an Alarming Rate’

The Secretary-General of the United Nations says that with the outbreak of the new coronavirus and its transformation into a global pandemic, domestic violence, particularly against girls and women, “is increasing at an alarming rate.”

António Guterres said in remarks on April 6 that “over the past weeks, as economic and social pressures have intensified and fear and anxiety have grown, we have witnessed a horrifying surge in domestic violence around the world.”

Mr. Guterres said that for many women and girls, “the threat has increased in the place where they should feel safe: their homes.”

The UN Secretary-General emphasized that home quarantine and staying in place is an important method of combating the spread of coronavirus, but “this should not result in women being imprisoned with those they live with and who abuse them.”

Guterres also warned that many non-governmental organizations and supporters of domestic violence victims either lack funds or have completely ceased operations under current conditions.

He called on governments to take the issue of domestic violence very seriously and include it among their key measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These remarks come as reports from around the world indicate a statistical increase in domestic violence and growing concerns about it.

For example, in Britain, a charity supporting victims of domestic violence reported a 25 percent increase in telephone and online requests for help.

The French government said last week that domestic violence increased by more than 30 percent during home quarantine in that country, and victims are to be transferred to special hotels for assistance.

In Greenland, government authorities have completely banned the sale of alcoholic beverages in the capital, citing the reason as combating domestic violence against children during the virus outbreak.

In Tunisia, the Minister of Women’s Affairs has warned of increased violence during the imposition of movement restrictions.

Deutsche Welle, citing activists in countries such as Lebanon, has reported increased concerns and a “severely distressing situation” for female citizens.

In Iran, official statistics on the rate of domestic violence and its situation under current conditions have not been released. However, this issue has been reflected on social media.

Source: Radio Farda