Rise of violence against women during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 lockdown was imposed on people to protect them from a deadly virus. It made people stay at home to protect themselves as well as their families, considering that the house would be the safest place. But during this lockdown, many victims were also confined with their abusers. Yes, I am talking about women who face domestic violence.

According to studies, 30% of women face sexual and physical violence globally throughout their life. Through the other past pandemics, it has been recorded that based on the intensity and impact of those pandemics the violence against women increases. During this COVID-19 pandemic also the cases of domestic violence have upsurged.

The numbers of domestic violence cases have reached the highest in the last ten years in India, and this includes only those women who try and speak about the abuse they are facing in their household. About 70% of the women do not share what they are going through and face the abusive nature of their intimate partners.

Due to the increased economic stress, a decline in protective support and confinement in the same place, the torture that women face from their partners have increased. Victims of domestic violence may face severe mental and physical difficulties such as depression, sexual disorders and other chronic diseases if such situations are not handled appropriately.

Many countries have come up with ideas for protecting women from abusers. A campaign called Mask-19 was started in many countries where if a woman was facing any violence at home, then she could visit her nearest medical store and ask for Mask-19. 

The pharmacy staff there would then note her name, address and mobile number and would send her details to the police or any other helpline numbers so that action can be taken appropriately. 

Other countries have also started offering shelters to women who are facing abuse so that they can stay away from such torturous situations.

In India, also, various steps were taken to protect women from domestic violence. But as they are confined to their homes during this lockdown period, many are not able to reach out to ask for help. In such cases, the Indian Government should take steps to protect them in difficult times. Mental support can also be provided to such women through phone calls of professional counsellors and by setting up shelters that may help them find a safe place for themselves.

Even if the disease COVID-19 ends one day, the disease of the mindset of people would be difficult to eradicate. A vaccine for the deeply rooted norms that women are supposed to tolerate each and everything should be made. 

Then only the world would be able to overcome the disease of domestic violence. The women who face such problems in their lives can try and reach out to the various services available for protecting them. But before that, they should try and stand up for themselves as each time a woman stands up for herself against this violence, she stands up for all the women who are undergoing the same situation.