Khoza domestic violence

Image via Adobe Stock

Lockdown leads to increase in gender-based violence

Even though there is a decrease in murder, robberies and hijackings, gender-based violence remains a problem.

Khoza domestic violence

Image via Adobe Stock

The lockdown has resulted in restricted public movement and alcohol consumption which may have reduced certain types of crime and violence, but increased others.

Mike Bolhuis, from Specialised Security Services, says, “There has been an increase in domestic violence incidents during the pandemic. People are not used to being in confined spaces and being together for such long uninterrupted time. Police Minister Bheki Cele said that police had received more than 87,000 gender-based complaints in the first week of the lockdown.”

Domestic violence during lockdown

Bolhuis says victims are confined to isolated homes with abusive partners whose coercive and physically violent tendencies are enabled and further inflamed owing to:

  • Economic stress
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Substance abuse
  • Irritability
  • Anger and frustration
  • Anxiety and depression  

Types of domestic violence:

  • Violence committed by a spouse or partner in an intimidating relationship 
  • Between former spouses or partners
  • Violence against children
  • Violence against parents 
  • Violence against the elderly 

During lockdown, victims are also less likely to report domestic violence:

  • Victims may not have access to phones or airtime, or public transport to take them to a police station, shelter or a doctor
  • Reporting an abuser during lockdown can be complicated because the victim is never alone
  • Fear of emotional damage to the children is a very real concern
  • The victim may be economically dependent on the abuser
  • Illiterate people suffer more
  • Victims do not trust the police and authorities 
  • Cultural and religious constraints place certain members of society in danger
  • Fear of retaliation

Dos and don’ts when it comes to domestic violence

Do

  • Talk to the abuser and explain how you expect to be treated.
  • Leave, either temporarily or permanently. Leaving temporarily may send a message to the abuser that you will not allow yourself to be mistreated. If the abuse continues, it is your responsibility to protect yourself by leaving permanently.
  • Get help. Talk to someone you can trust.
  • Contact the police or other authorities.
  • Contact Specialised Security Services.  

Don’t

  • Don’t blame yourself for your own victimisation.
  • Don’t assume that it will be the last time and that things will change.
  • Don’t think it is a normal way of living.
  • Don’t assume that no one is willing to help you.
  • Don’t stay in an abusive relationship thinking you will be safe.
  • Don’t think you can change your partner’s behaviour.
  • Don’t go through this alone.

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