Women And Children More Victimised By The Coronavirus

By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist

Lock-down, social distancing, and other restrictions have left millions of us vulnerable to a growing uncertainty about the coronavirus, its specific symptoms, as well as a lack of scientific information about its future effects on the life, we once knew.

Even in normal times, there were far too many people dealing with unemployment, housing challenges, child-rearing, as well as balancing family and work, and so, today’s new way of life has taken its toll not only on people’s physical well-being but, noticeably, on people’s mental health.

This is evidenced by the rise in violence, suicide, and other forms of aggression.

As usual, women and children have been more severely victimized because of the lock-down.

In France, the reports of domestic violence have increased by 30 percent since the lock-down in March. Demand for emergency shelters have been reported in Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All around, there are factors aggravating the present situation.

With the present negative impact on the world economy, jobs are even more difficult to obtain,and since working at home is the new reality,  it will be even more challenging for victims to leave abusive relationships.

So, what can we do to help, in the future?

1. Find non-invasive ways to reach out to families that are exhibiting signs of abuse.
2. Encourage government representatives, churches, and community organizations to assist families that are in need of support. And
3. Find ways, in which you can assist emergency shelters to accommodate the increase in occupancy.

In Sisterhood,
Ettie