Social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is essential.
But experts warn it could put domestic violence victims in harm’s way.
On Sunday, the UNs Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made an impassionedplea to the global community on Twitter.
We know lockdowns and quarantines are essential to suppressing COVID-19, he said.
But they can trap women with abusive partners.
The home, he argued, is a dangerous place for victims of domestic violence.
Because restricting access to the outside world is often how abusers exert control over their victims.
My ex slowly started closing all the blinds and would get upset when I would open them.
Abuse doesnt stop in times of pandemic and can escalate in times of instability and financial stress.
The abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.
The abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.
Even if partners arent living together, Hood says that abusive patterns can persist.
Herdlinger adds that this isolation period can trigger flashbacks for survivors of domestic violence, too.
[Digital] communication resources may be cut off for someone isolated with an abusive partner, Hood says.
The end result: Victims are more alone and vulnerable than before.
Victims can also connect with advocates and find information about local shelters right now throughdomesticshelters.org.
Herdlinger says that its important for victims to know that theyre not alone, and there is hope.
Talk to someone now, and dont be ashamed to ask for help, agrees Gross.
This simple but meaningful task can help save lives.
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