Billions of people are living in lockdown. Curfews, closed shops, restricted travel –– people around the world are grappling with a new way of life.

However, what is a vital protection measure against a virus has unfortunately intensified a different war for girls and women. Domestic violence and abuse is on the increase and the most vulnerable are stuck at home with their abusers facing two pandemics –– coronavirus and gender-based violence. 

The police in South Africa –– a country with one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world –– confirmed that in the first week of the lockdown, over 2,300 calls were registered at the gender-based violence command centre. This facility, which operates through a toll free number, was established to protect women and children from all forms of violence during the national lockdown. It is accessible 24/7, offers immediate care including counselling from social workers and victims can be geographically pinpointed –– making it easy for counsellors to direct them to the nearest on-the-ground resources such as police stations and hospitals. 

Domestic violence, rape, verbal abuse, and forced marriages are some issues being reported by individuals — but this only represents those who know about this centre and were brave enough to make the call. There are many more who are suffering in silence. 

Abuse affects everyone –– no matter the gender, race, sexual orientation or age. It is therefore vital for everyone to take a stand against gender-based violence and commit to protecting girls and women. Let us put an end to this injustice. Enough is enough!