Global Lockdowns Resulting In ‘Horrifying Surge’ In Domestic Violence, U.N. Warns – By Scott Neuman (NPR) / April 6 2020
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, citing a sharp rise in domestic violence amid global coronavirus lockdowns, called on governments around the world to make addressing the issue a key part of their response to the pandemic.
Speaking late Sunday, Guterres said, “violence is not confined to the battlefield.”
“For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest — in their own homes,” he said, appealing “for peace at home — and in homes — around the world.”
“We know lockdowns and quarantines are essential to suppressing COVID-19, but they can trap women with abusive partners,” Guterres said. “Over the past weeks, as the economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying surge in domestic violence.”
The secretary-general said in some countries, “the number of women calling support services has doubled” while “healthcare providers and police are overwhelmed and understaffed.”
Continue to article: https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/06/827908402/global-lockdowns-resulting-in-horrifying-surge-in-domestic-violence-u-n-warns
