Closing the borders of countries, restricting movement within the city, and closing businesses – all this has caused the level of domestic violence to increase significantly. This is how the media writes around the world.
Domestic violence is a terrible epidemic, the scale of which still cannot be fully estimated. According to statistics, the death rate of women from domestic violence in 2017 is 50 thousand worldwide.
In China, where the coronavirus outbreak first began, both a decrease in deaths and infections and an increase in domestic violence were registered. People are stuck at home with loved ones so as not to risk their lives, while many are left alone with domestic tyrants.
Domestic violence non-profits report that the number of reports of domestic violence has doubled since the lockdown was announced. Human rights activists and activists believe that most of the problems in families are related to the coronavirus epidemic: fear, economic stress and loss – all this contributes to increased tension in families.
Law enforcement also continues to frustrate. In China, a scandal recently erupted over an audio recording published on the Web. It shows a Chinese policeman trying to dissuade a woman from filing a complaint that her husband threatened to kill her. The law enforcement officer appeals that the domestic tyrant has a good job and that the victim will ruin his life if he reports threats.
What to do if you have experienced domestic violence:
- understand that the cause of violence is in the aggressor, and not in you;
- tell relatives and friends;
- discard the arguments “hitting means loving” and “no need to ruin the family”
- seek help from the police and social services
- not trying to save a toxic relationship and not trying to change a tyrant;
- walk away and cut off all ties with the abuser.
Getting out of a toxic relationship is difficult and very hard to do without outside help. Enlist the support of your family and friends and put your safety above all else. Life is one and it is very important not to let it turn into a nightmare. Be sure to ask for help if you are being dishonest and mistreated.
If you are in a situation of domestic violence, call:
- 10
- Hotline of the National Police of Ukraine 0-800-500-202
- Hotline of the patrol police of Kiev (044) 254-94-88
- National Hotline for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking and Gender Discrimination 0-800-500-335 (free of charge from fixed or mobile phones, street payphones in Kiev). Short number from mobile – 116-123
If you have witnessed child abuse or your child is suffering from domestic violence, call:
- National children’s hotline 0-800-500-225 (Free of charge from fixed, mobile, payphones in Kiev).
- Short number from mobile – 116-111
If you see that someone close to you is suffering from domestic violence, do not ignore it and offer your help. Sometimes an intervention can save someone’s life.
