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Increased risk of domestic violence for many

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Information and resources are available via online portal, accessible via mobile devices from home

In these unprecedented times, we face a period of a number of months of schools being closed, work activity being limited and use of public transport being discouraged. During the lockdown from 26 March to 16 April 2020, families will be staying home to weather the storm of COVID-19.

For some this is a fun break and for many it’s an inconvenience, but for much of our population, particularly for women and children, it’s downright dangerous.

The sentiment that rose to the surface in the UNODC Report: Global Study on Homicide: Gender-related Killing of Women and Girls, 2018 is that the most dangerous place for a woman to be is inside her own home. “Adding well known domestic violence risk factors like financial pressure and the employment uncertainty, at the moment being exacerbated by the unfolding of the COVID-19 crisis in South Africa, we have a toxic mix of circumstances that could have severe consequences”, says Yvonne Wakefield of The Warrior Project, an online portal of information and resources for those affected by domestic violence.

To make matters worse, the evidence is clear that children who are exposed to domestic violence have a vastly increased risk of exposure as adults, both as victims and as perpetrators [WHO Report: Preventing Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Against Women, 2010, p22].

“Those at risk are encouraged to take the lead in educating themselves as to their rights and the resources available to assist them, be they counseling services, legal helplines or shelters, so that they know what their options are should their situations escalate”, says Wakefield.

Thankfully, much of the help available is easily accessed online or by telephone, so victims are able to access them from their mobile devices. For example, says Wakefield “our free legal helpline and WhatsApp line, is manned by an all women team of experienced lawyers at Law for All”. Other resources available on the site are contact details for other helplines, shelters, and counseling services.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.