23 Apr 2020

There is need for countries to pay special attention to the rising cases of domestic violence and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said.

That, according to SADC regional response to COVID-19 report released April 22, means member states need to ensure that women and girls are protected from all forms of abuse.

The regional body also urges member states to incorporate gender perspectives in all responses to COVID-19 to ensure that actions during and after the COVID-19 crisis aim to build more equal, inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.

On the other hand, the UN Women report also shows that some countries around the world, particularly those highly affected by COVID-19, have registered up to 30 per cent increase in reported domestic violence cases and around 33 per cent increase in emergency calls for gender-based violence, with women and girls reported to be the victims of such acts. 

“With the lockdown and stay-at-home measures, women that have been in abusive relationships are now forced to be at home with their abusers for a prolonged period, making it difficult for them to reach out for help due to the presence of the abusive partner at home,” the SADC report says. 

It further says social distancing makes it difficult for victims to reach out to their usual support systems, particularly, friends and other family members. 

In addition, it notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has made reporting of abuses harder due to the disruption of public services and limited access to communication facilities such as phones and helplines. Ends