Sexual and other violence during Covid
The Covid-19 pandemic times have been hardest to the most vulnerable regions, people and communities. The crime rate has mounted, and those who were already weak are now soft target of violence. Women, children and old people have been worst hit by the ever increasing violence during the pandemic. The violence of every kind – physical or sexual or domestic – has taken a big leap across the world. And its victims had no option but bear the brunt of it throughout the crisis.
According to United Nations’ earlier report, one in every three women, an estimated 736 million globally, have experienced violence in their lifetime. They have been subjected to either intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life. Nearly 30 percent of these women were aged 15 and older. This figure of sexual violence victims does not include sexual harassment number. Since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, sexual violence has surged globally, say the UN.
Children, women, elderly major victims
The women who have faced sexual violence have also experienced higher rate of depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV, then others. They have also suffered many health issues that can last even after the end of the violence. Sexual violence went worse during the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, Covid lockdowns and shutdowns have played major roles in increasing the vulnerably of women, who could not find required services, including security and healthcare during the time.
On the other hand, for the accused it was an easy time to get away. UN Secretary-General António Guterres referred the sexual violence during the crisis time as threat to both human and international security. He gave his statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The UN chief expressed concern that as the world fought the war against Covid, it became more difficult to hold the accused to account. He also called on the world to respond to these crimes and provide possible services to the victims and survivors.
Sexual and other violence during Covid
Other major victims of domestic violence armed conflict during the pandemic were children. Due to school closures during shutdown measures against Covid-19, children remained at home for months and still are. As sources of income disappeared, many children had to join works as child labourers to earn livelihood for entire family. A number of other children, particularly girls, were pushed into child marriages and trafficking. At home and outside the home, these vulnerable children faced innumerable incidents of violence and assault. In war and conflict zones, situation went worse for children during Covid times.
Moreover, Covid-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of seniors with increasing violence, abuse and neglect against them. “Entrenched ageist attitudes” has already undermined the autonomy of elder people in making their own choices and decisions. During the Covid-19 pandemic times, they have to face further violence, abuse and neglect against them, says UN Human Rights independent expert Claudia Mahler, marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Disappointing reports surfaced from care homes in different parts of the world about neglect, isolation and lack of adequate healthcare, social and legal services to elderly people, she said.
