A Double Crisis: Global Pandemic and Domestic violence Against Women

(Source:https://thewellproject.org/sites/default/files/article_images/violenceagainstwomen.jpg)

Domestic violence refers to the violence committed by an intimate partner or family member. It can be either physically, mentally, or economically. Women usually have a higher chance to be the victim of domestic violence, according to the national domestic violence hotline. 3 in 10 women (29%) in the US have experienced some kind of domestic violence as compared to 1 in 10 men(10%) in general. The government also realized this problem, so they passed a Violence Against Women Act in 1994. The goal of this law is to set up a hotline that allows women to report any domestic abuse cases. However, during COVID-19, the increased amount of domestic violence prevents the hotline worker from being able to take care of all of the cases. Therefore, women who are experiencing domestic violence need community care because domestic violence affects women both mentally and physically. Although we are encouraging social distancing during COVID-19, women who are afraid to speak out need in-person community support providing them a safe environment to talk about their story which could prevent women from getting mental illness at the same time leading to a healthy environment for children.

(Source:https://www.uowblogs.com/iedf714/files/2017/03/End-Violence-web-tile-1or5m3f.jpg)

Though some may say that during the COVID-19, people should stay at the house to avoid the spread of the pandemic, there is evidence that showed that with the shelter-in-place order, the abuser isolates the victims from the outer world. A research conducted by Indiana state says that abusers can take advantage of this pandemic to isolate their victims to reduce their opportunity for disclosure of abuse and restrict their usage of cell phones or internets. The research suggested that community support is critical. It helps women break from their abusive home environment. Therefore, even during this difficult time, the in-person community still needs to remain operating. Also, in-person support does not have to be in a room to provide women a safe environment. It can be in a wide area. Park could be a good choice. People should keep a close connection with your family and report any domestic violence cases when you see one. People can also think of volunteering to help out those victims of domestic violence. For community organizations, it is highly encouraged to expand the community partnership with the existing community organization. Each organization can focus on a specific area that can increase their proficiency in these services. Also, the community organization can work with the hotline. The hotline can take some action first. Then in-person community support can follow up. As long as the community is united, community service can help women who are experiencing domestic violence better and faster, which will reduce the possibility of domestic violence.