Experts predict domestic violence and online trafficking cases could rise amid COVID-19 pandemic.
With schools and offices closed and many people staying indoors, women and children could be increasingly vulnerable to domestic abuse and cyber crime. Children are also likely to be neglected and abused by their caregivers and witness violence happening in homes more frequently.
According to NCWC, the current pandemic gives an increased situation to threats beyond the risk of getting infected with viruses. With people staying mostly indoors and at home, isolated with their abuser, the victims lose a safe space to call for help. Victims are known to seek help when the abuser is not at home.
Also with many people working remotely on computers and children studying online, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) say there is an increased risk of online exploitation.
“ Women and children may be commercially and sexually exploited online by their traffickers and also within private homes. So it is very important that when we ask people to stay home and be safe, we also have to ask people to keep themselves safe from online scams,” said Tandin Wangmo, National Project Coordinator, UNODC
To provide adequate support services to victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis, RENEW Bhutan has initiated 24/7 helplines and email reporting options for victims to seek help and counselling.
According to RENEW, they have received a few complaints, however there hasn’t been any increase in number of cases.
NCWC hasn’t received any report of domestic violence as of now.
Samten Dolkar
