INTRODUCING a public hotline and spreading available resources are among a set of recommendations proposed to tackle domestic violence as cases continue to surge during the pandemic.
Shamsaha, the first and only crisis response programme in the Middle East, has recorded a consistent increase of 45 per cent in domestic violence cases since the outbreak of Covid-19.
This is in line with global figures, as UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka previously described the increased threat of violence against women as a “shadow pandemic”.
Around 130 cases of domestic abuse were recorded by the centre in May and April of this year, while nearly 90 cases were registered in March, which is approximately a 45pc increase compared with the same months last year.
Shamsaha founder and director Mary-Justin Todd has proposed a 20-step recommendation to address the increase in cases caused as more people are in isolation during the pandemic.
“In May we have registered approximately the same number of cases as that in March to April, which is a 45pc increase of abuse cases, which is in line with the global trend,” she told the GDN.
“This means a 45pc increase from normal numbers comparing April and May to March, while in May it stayed steady.”
“In March we had approximately 90 cases and then both in April and May it was around 130.
“The reality is that women are stuck at home with their abusers and are therefore facing increased levels of abuse.
“Additionally, with resources strained, tensions high and movement restricted – abusers are feeling ever greater sense of a loss of control leading to more abuse.”
Among the recommendations are supporting government and civil societies by publicising available resources, introducing a public complaint hotline for domestic violence, creating easy access to Covid-19 testing for victims of abuse, and reducing waiting times to enter shelters.
She also cited the need for public awareness campaigns against domestic violence, in addition to awareness initiatives at schools and universities.
“These suggestions are based on my experience with Shamsaha in Bahrain, as well as those on my knowing the international best practices,” she explained.
“We need to actively support government and civil society groups that are providing care for victims of abuse by widely publicising available resources such as hotline numbers, shelters, and legal rights for victims of abuse.
“We have to reduce barriers to receiving care, such as requiring official documents/CPR numbers etc, for entry into the shelter.
“There should be easy access to and reduced costs of Covid-19 testing for victims of abuse (and children), in order to reduce waiting times to enter shelters, and a woman should be able to bring all her children with her to the shelter, regardless of age.”
Ms Todd also urged hospitals in Bahrain to follow the lead of American Mission Hospital, which has affiliated itself with Shamsaha – adding that medical facilities should be able to offer internal advocacy initiatives or utilise Shamsaha’s crisis advocacy programme.
“Medical staff must be properly trained by international experts on response and care for victims, and on how to receive and support victims of abuse,” she said.
Training
“Hospitals should also have sexual assault forensic examination kits available in the event of a sexual assault, as well as trained personnel to conduct the exams.”
The centre operates two 24-hour helplines, in English (38447588) and Arabic (66710901), which are manned by trained female crisis care advocates.
Texts are also accepted via WhatsApp or SMS, free of charge.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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