Thread by @monaeltahawy

“We know that for people affected by family violence, social distancing and self-isolation measures can pose increased risk.”

This is about #Australia but it applies globally right now especially with #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

h/t @DsSayed

abc.net.au/news/2020-03-2…

Following reports of domestic abuse as much as tripling in #China during recent periods of isolation, advocacy groups in #Australia have been urging state and federal governments to act swiftly to better protect vulnerable women. #coronavirus #COVIDー19

For people who are experiencing domestic violence, mandatory lockdowns to curb the spread of #COVIDー19 have trapped them in their homes with their abusers, isolated from the people and the resources that could help them. time.com/5803887/corona… #coronavirus

In the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that a growing number of callers say that their abusers are using #COVIDー19 as a means of further isolating them from their friends and family.

“Perpetrators are threatening to throw their victims out on the street so they get sick,” Katie Ray-Jones, the CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline tells TIME. “We’ve heard of some withholding financial resources or medical assistance.” #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

“the very technique we are using to protect people from the virus can perversely impact victims of domestic violence,” Anita Bhatia, the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Women. #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

One out of three women in the world experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization, making it “the most widespread but among the least reported human rights abuses.” #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

“In the best of circumstances, women already have a hard time being heard,”

For many women, even the fear of contracting the #coronavirus is stopping them from seeking out medical care after experiencing physical abuse. #COVIDー19

During times of crisis—such as natural disasters, wars, and epidemics—the risk of gender-based-violence escalates. #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

People already in an abusive situation will likely find themselves facing more extreme violence, and can no longer escape by going to work/seeing friends. Many feel they can no longer seek refuge at their parents’ home, for fear that they could expose elderly parents to #COVID19

For some, travel restrictions may limit their ability to stay with loved ones. Women’s shelters may also be overcrowded during this time or may close their doors if the risk of infection is deemed too high.

#COVIDー19 #coronavirus

#CoronavirusPandemic is expected to push the world economy into a recession. It may also ultimately make it more difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships, which often involves secretly saving money, which will be more difficult if victims begin to lose their jobs.

In New South Wales, #Australia, the Department of Communities and Justice has told service providers it will cover the costs of temporary accommodation for clients who need to self-isolate. #COVIDー19 #coronavirus. abc.net.au/news/2020-03-2…

Along with temporary accommodation, activists “want the police to consider provisional orders which would mean that instead of victims needing to flee to refuges, alleged perpetrators would instead have to leave the home and find temporary accommodation.” #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

Domestic violence advocates say that victims who are not yet in quarantine status should seek help now. Meanwhile, domestic violence organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline are developing new strategies to support victims under lockdown. time.com/5803887/corona…

It can be difficult for victims to call hotlines while at home with their abusers. The National Domestic Violence Hotline in the US offers services via online chat or texting, making it easier for victims to seek out help while at home. #COVIDー19 #coronavirus

Anita Bhatia from United Nations Women has called for governments to provide packages for paid sick leave and unpaid care work, in order to allow women facing domestic violence to maintain financial independence from their abusers. #COVIDー19 #coronavirus