The Stream

Coronavirus: How is lockdown worsening domestic violence?

Pandemic stress and social isolation are worsening gender-based violence and other forms of abuse, activists say.

On Thursday, April 30 at 19:30 GMT:
The coronavirus pandemic has made life even more difficult for domestic violence survivors who have been forced to quarantine with their abusers. Around the world, stay-at-home orders and other social distancing restrictions are making it more difficult for survivors to seek help and refuge from mental and physical harm. In some cases, access to counsellors and safe houses have been suspended to comply with measures for social isolation.

What options do you have if you are on lockdown at home with your abuser? In this episode, we’ll discuss what more should be done to help people facing domestic abuse during the pandemic. Join the conversation.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak to:
Anita Bhatia, @abhatiaunwomen
Assistant-secretary-general and deputy executive director, UN Women

Mandisa Khanyile, @Ezamission
Director, Rise Up Against Gender Based Violence

Rachel Louise Snyder, @RLSWrites
Writer and author of ‘No Visible Bruises
globalgrit.com

Read more:
Domestic violence is the other ‘pandemic’ we must fight – Al Jazeera
An ominous silence: Domestic violence charities fear for victims – Al Jazeera