The Dark Side of Quarantine: Rise of Domestic Violence in times of COVID-19 in Pakistan
Over the last few
weeks, there has been a surge of domestic abuses cases being reported
nationwide largely due to the fact that majority of the victims are in a
lockdown; with their abusers.
While many victims
previously looked forward to the start of the day when the men would leave for
the offices and they would find relief in their sanctuary or would have the
ability to escape to the outside world, the possibility has come to a
stand-still after the implementation of the lockdown. This has been the outcome
of the pandemic globally as well but we are less equipped to deal with it. Not
only do we lack a support-system in our society but our government has also
been unable to provide victims with a solid institution to cater for them.
It is estimated
that about 70-90% of women in Pakistan are subjected to some form of abuse
whether physical, emotional or psychological. While the quarantine has been
somewhat successful in preventing the spread of COVID-19, it has also locked
the victims with their abusers with nowhere to escape. One woman reported of
being in a constant state of anxiety while working in her kitchen surrounded by
sharp objects that can be used against her in a fit of rage. Another declared
that she was forced to wash herself down with highly dangerous bleach so she
may not transfer any (non-existent) virus to the family members while another
broke down after admitting that she is kept away from her children because she
is constantly tortured bout being infected even though she has no symptoms and
has not been exposed to any carriers.
This sad situation
cannot be alleviated because we have no digitized legal aid, effective
institutions and outdated cultural practices that allow you to turn a blind-eye
towards the suffering. We, as a society, need to change our practices and
introduce severe punishments for the abusers. We need online as well as
interactive therapy-sessions for the victims to help them gain back their
self-esteem. And above all, we need to think of this as a criminal act and NOT
a ‘right’. Unless and until we come up with ways to curb violence at home for
good, we cannot avoid such situations and victims will be seen praying for the
virus so they can escape the much worse effects of violence.
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