UNWOMEN, Nov. 23, 2020
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 243 million women and girls globally were abused by their intimate partners in the past year. Since the pandemic, with lockdowns measures, countries around the world have seen an alarming rise in reporting on violence against women, especially domestic violence. UN Women is working with women on the front lines who are responding to the shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls every day. “What Happened after COVID-19 hit”, brings you some of their stories, and how our programs are backing solutions that leave no one behind.
“‘How can I help you? Are you by yourself? Please stay on the line,’ I say.
The hotline operates 24/7. During the pandemic, I can barely put down my headset as there are incoming calls all day every day, and I always try to answer every call. We never know what would happen to the caller if we delay answering or miss a call.
I am part of a team of hotline operators and social workers that receive more than 300 calls each day, a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Women know to call us when they need help.
Many women migrant workers face language barriers. Many don’t know their rights and do not want to disclose their personal information or location. This is especially the case of undocumented migrant women – they are afraid to interact with the authorities for fear of being arrested. and as a result, they are at even higher risk of violence and abuse. Any woman facing violence should be assisted and protected, regardless of their immigration status.
The Safe and Fair programme recently conducted a workshop for our Hotline team, to share knowledge and experience on how to handle cases of gender-based violence better. The workshop was especially useful for our new team members who joined us during the COVID-19 crisis.
In full: https://unwomen.org.au/what-happened-after-covid-19-hit-thailand/
.
No comments:
Post a Comment