COVID & Sexual Violence

Taiwo, a security guard in Festac, woke up suddenly for the third time that night, the married couple in the house he was guarding had started again. Since the lockdown due to the corona-virus, Mr and Mrs Johnson had been giving him sleepless nights, which would start with endless quarrels and Mr Johnson finally asserting his power and control by forcefully subjecting Mrs Johnson into having sex with him without her consent. Taiwo had since advised his madam to seek help, to help protect her from the daily acts of violence from her partner, but due to the pressure of response to the corona-virus pandemic, she had found less support and had been forced to cope with domestic violence.

COVID & Sexual Violence

Sexual violence and all forms of Violence against women and girls (VAWG), is a human rights violation with a great impact on victims, their families, and communities at large. Since the Coronavirus outbreak, gender-based violence cases, especially high rates of domestic violence cases, have been recorded worldwide. As quarantine measures like staying at home are put in place as a way to combat the Corona-virus disease, a lot of women and girls are at a high risk of experiencing violence in their homes.

What can be done to address Violence Against Women and Girls during the pandemic

• Perpetrators may use lockdown measures to exercise control over their partners
• Limited access to quality and necessary sexual and reproductive health services, including for women subjected to violence.
• Women may have less contact with family and friends who could provide support and protection from violence
• Decreased access to protection services and social networks can increase the risk of sexual violence in homes
• Economic stress like job losses may lead to violence against women and girls