Around the world, there has been an increase in domestic violence, especially against women and children. This is one of the many sad outcomes of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Over the last week alone, Kenyan media houses have reported a 30% to 42% increase in reported cases of domestic violence. This is not only a female issue but a societal issue as men and boys are also victims of domestic violence.
The increase in domestic violence has been partly attributed to the impunity abusers have. They know that victims have nowhere to run and the government is overstretched at the moment. Previously, schools and workplaces provided safe havens for victims, even if only for a few hours a day. But now, many vulnerable people are at the mercy of their abusers for days on end because they are forced to remain home due to government-imposed restrictions around COVID-19. A lot of Kenyans are out of work, or unable to go to work and these economic stressors have also led some people to release their frustrations on those closest to them.
Many victims decide not to report incidents of domestic violence because perpetrators are often the breadwinners of the household and their arrest may lead to a lack of household funds. Additionally, victims fear retaliation from perpetrators who threaten to kill them if they report or try to run away from the situation. In fact, 58% of all women that are killed globally were murdered by an intimate partner. For other victims, especially male ones, the stigma attached to domestic violence victims prevents them from asking for help or reporting their abusers.
The government has put in place measures such as the 7 pm -5 am curfew and movement restrictions to battle COVID-19. Unfortunately, very little is being done for domestic violence victims. Also, many of the hotlines for private organizations that help victims were not picked or were inactive when I tried to call them. Victims need somewhere they can turn to which is why activists are asking the government to set aside a budget to protect domestic violence victims.
Over 85% of documented domestic violence perpetrators have been men. Therefore there can be a significant reduction in domestic and sexual violence if men take part in discussions surrounding it. Not all men are abusers, and they can speak up against and have a zero-tolerance attitude towards domestic violence amongst their peers.
Additionally, the security industry is the protector of our society and should take a lead against domestic violence. Companies can help to reduce domestic violence through awareness training and zero-tolerance policies against violence and sexism. Additionally, victims can get support through the provision of jobs and economic empowerment programs.
A lot of us feel helpless when we read about cases of violence against women and children. Below are some ways that you can help reduce domestic violence during this outbreak and in the longer term.
- Break the silence. Domestic violence thrives because many people choose to turn a blind eye when they see it happen. If someone you know is getting abused, report it to the police. Spread awareness about domestic violence by sharing posts and articles that condemn it. You can also educate yourself on how you can assist victims. Silence about violence allows the violence to continue.
- Lobby for the National and County governments to increase funding for facilities and services that help victims of domestic violence.
- Support organizations that help victims of domestic violence. You can do this through financial donations, free publicity or volunteer work.
- If possible, continue paying your domestic employees even when they can’t work due to quarantine and curfews. Not receiving a salary can bring economic stress, which can lead to violence in the home.
- Help victims to form a safety plan. The exercise of going through the steps that a victim can take in case they get attacked could help them come out of a dangerous situation. Each safety plan has to be tailored to the individual circumstances but could include having a safe place that they can run to e.g. a relatives’ home or a shelter, or a code word that they can use in calls to signify that they need immediate assistance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call one of the below numbers for help.
- Kenya Police Hotline – Dial 999 or 112
- Childline Kenya – Dial 116 (Chat on WhatsApp between 7 am and 6 pm on 0722116116)
- Wangui Kanja Foundation – SMS for free 21094 or Dial +254-722 790 404
Finally, if you know of any shelters or organizations that help victims of domestic and sexual violence please let us know so that we can add them as a resource.What are your thoughts on domestic violence? Let us know in the comments.