With families across the globe confined to their homes to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, fears are rising of a surge in domestic violence. The psychological stress caused by social isolation is exacerbating tensions and increasing the risk of domestic and sexual violence against women and children. And the risks are not limited to homes where violence was already a problem before. Presently, a large number of people are going through mental stress fearing losing their jobs and financial difficulties. In Bangladesh, the situation is highly serious where more than 80% people are engaged in temporary jobs. A 2019 study report stated that two-thirds of Bangladeshi women, around 66%, are victims of domestic violence-and 72.7% of them have never disclosed their experience to others. Most women in Bangladesh still suffer from chronic abuse, torture, and violence in their homes.
Despite high rates of partner violence, most women do not want to disclose their experience to others. Only 2.1% of women inform local leaders of their experience, while 1.1% of women seek help from the police. For children, young people and women who are victims of domestic violence – mental or physical – the current situation means ‘being constantly available’ for abuse by the perpetrator. Decisions to shut down schools, sports clubs and youth centres are important to curb the spread of the virus and prevent hospitals from being overrun, but ‘who is seeing and hearing abused children today? The COVID-19 not only put public health on risk but also made the mental health of many stranded people, particularly women and children at risk in the lockdown regions. There must be an online platform and alternative surveillance to provide support to the victims of domestic violence.
But first of all, the government must play a vital role to ensure the people that they wouldn’t have to face financial hardships even if the pandemic prolongs.
