When home is NOT an abode for safety

‘Home’ is a word that brings thoughts of comfort, peace and security. However, this is not the same case for everyone. 66% of women in Bangladesh have been victims of domestic violence according to a research conducted jointly by Action Aid Bangladesh and Jatiyo Nari Nirjaton Protirodh Forum. This means that two-thirds of women in Bangladesh have been abused inside their own homes.

The current lockdown imposed by the government as a way to contain the coronavirus has put women and their abusers together behind locked doors under the same roof. The UNFPA has reported that domestic violence has increased globally by 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has led to unemployment, financial crisis and mental stress which can cause anger and frustration. As a result of imbalanced gender power relationships between men and women, it is common for men to direct their frustration towards their wives in the form of mental and physical violence. On the other hand, women are conditioned to endure this violence  as our society trivialises these incidents as internal family disputes. In practice, the legal system does not take cases of domestic violence seriously unless it involves death or serious visible injuries. Also, at the current moment the police forces are prioritising their response to the COVID-19 situation, so cases on domestic violence may not get the needed attention. 

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) has reported that in the month of April, 4249 women have been victims of domestic violence, which involves physical, psychological, economical and sexual violence. The data was collected from 27 districts where MJF and their partner NGOs are active. MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said “It is a gruesome picture,” while revealing the information in an online press conference. 

What can I do if I am a victim of domestic violence?

1. Reach out to family and friends, or seek support from a hotline
2. Keep your family and friends informed about your condition
3. Visit the nearest hospital or clinic if you need medical attention
4. Keep some items and documents handy, such as money and personal identification papers, in case you might need to exit from the house in urgent cases

What can I do if I know a person who is suffering from domestic violence?

1. Stay in touch with the person and keep regular updates
2. Speak words of kindness and provide emotional support 
3. If the person needs urgent help, call a helpline

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, along with many national NGOs have helplines where victims of domestic violence can call to receive legal aid and counselling:

1. MOWCA National Helpline: 109
2. National Emergency Service: 999
3. Ain O Salish Kendra: 01724415677
4. Kaan Pete Roi: 01688709965, 01985275286
5. BLAST: 01715220220

References:

1. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2018/12/06/research-shows-66-bangladeshi-women-are-victims-of-domestic-violence
2. http://www.manusherjonno.org/latest_stories/amid-lockdown-4249-women-and-456-children-became-victims-of-domestic-violence-in-april-mjf/
3. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/violence-against-women-during-covid-19?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxd3p1efB6QIVGLeWCh2k-AaREAAYASAAEgK7v_D_BwE
4. http://nhc.gov.bd/