A STARK warning has been issued as violence against women is expected to increase with more people in isolation to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, writes the GDN's Raji Unnikrishnan.

The threat has been described as a “shadow pandemic” by UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who warned that if not addressed “urgently” it will add to the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Staying at home has been a global call to maintain public safety, but being at home may not be a safe place for everyone.

Bahrain-based Shamsaha, the first and only crisis response programme in the Middle East, is stepping up its efforts to offer support to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

“The number of abuse incidents may, in fact, rise during the outbreak as tensions are high within families and resources become increasingly scarce,” said Shamsaha founder and executive director Mary-Justine Todd.

“Additionally, victims of abuse may no longer have the option of escape by going to work or out to see friends.”

Shedding light on the potential dangers of domestic violence while in isolation, Ms Todd explained that abusers will use anything to control their victim, including a pandemic.

“Abusers may use the coronavirus as a scare tactic to keep their victim from their kids or visiting family,” she added.

“They may share false information about the pandemic to control or frighten victims.

“They may withhold necessary items such as hand sanitiser or disinfectants.

“They may deny victims access to critical medical care and may force victims into risky situations such as demanding that they continue going to work to bring money and or to satisfy unreasonable demands.”

Ms Todd said people can help in supporting “possible victims” in their communities by being on high alert for any red flags of abuse such as bruises, unusual characteristics of withdrawal or unexplained stories.

“We need to raise awareness of this issue and organisations like Shamsaha are working hard to ensure help is available if and when a victim needs it,” she added.

“Using various forms of electronic contact with victims will be very important during this time because it may become increasingly difficult for victims to reach out for help while at home with their abusers.

“If you or someone you know is being abused, reach out for help – no questions will be asked and no obligations after calling.”

Shamsaha operates two 24-hour helplines; in English (38447588) and in Arabic (66710901). It also accepts texts via WhatsApp or SMS, free of charge.

Shamsaha board member and psychotherapist Eman Nooruddin also said that Bahrain and other countries should learn from incidents that occurred in China as a result of the outbreak.

“Reports from China, for example, suggest that the pandemic has caused a significant spike in domestic violence,” she said.

“Local police stations saw a threefold increase in cases reported in February compared with the previous year. We also see high rates of divorce.

“So for victims of abuse, I think it is very important to connect to local helplines and or groups such as Shamsaha and the Aysha Yateem.”

In a statement issued this week, UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka urged governments to ensure financial support and stimulus packages for victims of abuse within their combat measures.

In the previous 12 months, 243 million women and girls (aged 15 to 49) across the world have been subjected to sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner.

“As the pandemic continues, this number is likely to grow with multiple impacts on women’s wellbeing, their sexual and reproductive health, their mental health, and their ability to participate and lead in the recovery of our societies and economy,” warned Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka.

“If not dealt with, this shadow pandemic will also add to the economic impact of Covid -19.

“The global cost of violence against women had previously been estimated at approximately $1.5 trillion. That figure can only be rising as violence increases now, and continues in the aftermath of the pandemic.”

She also reiterated a call by UN Secretary General António Guterres to governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of national response plans for the coronavirus.