Is there anyone else out there who has no idea what day it is? honestly, I have lost count of dates and days of the week. I have never been good with numbers and dates and this lock down situation has done a great job of amplifying that shortcoming.
In addition to that, I have also been having a hard time working and concentrating on anything, so! Contrary to popular opinion and professional advice from mental health experts, I have been glued to my TV, watching and listening to the news.
One thing I can tell you for certain is that; not a single “news” is good news; From the increasing number of people who keep getting infected, to the on-going wars in the middle east, it’s just as if the world is gradually spiraling out of control.
As if there’s not already enough bad news to last one a lifetime, I learned just yesterday “still on the news” that there has been a surge in domestic violence cases as a result of the lock down. According to BBC world news, there has been more than a 25 percent increase in calls and online reports from people in violent relationships. Many women, children and even men are living in toxic and violent relationships and this lock down has brought this ugly truth to the fore.
I find this so alarming and concerning because domestic violence is one of the worst experiences ever, I don’t wish it even on my worst enemy. I live with my family and we are going through this experience as a team, this has made the lock down livable and has provided us with the rare opportunity of bonding.
But when I remember that there are some people who are experiencing abuse, it just breaks my heart. It is heart wrenching to think that in addition to being stuck at home, there are people who have to deal with the added pain of violence and abuse. If this is your experience, please do not hesitate to speak out. if Dreadful things are happening to you within the four walls of your home, don’t be quiet about it. relationships are meant to be enjoyed and not endured.
There are different ways people abuse their partners or their children. It could be;
- Physical abuse: any intentional and unwanted contact with you. In most cases this contact may cause pain or leave bruises, but this is not in all cases.
- Emotional abuse: if your partner makes you feel stupid, worthless, if you are constantly being criticized and talked down you could very well be in an abusive relationship and you need to get out of it.
- Sexual abuse: sex should be consensual and enjoyed by both partners, but when you are in a relationship where you are being pressured or coerced into doing some form of sexual activity that you don’t want to do, you are being sexually abused and you need to seek help.
Here are some handy tips on what to do if you are experiencing any of these forms of abuse. 
Contact someone and speak out: the fact that we are in a lock down shouldn’t stop you from reaching out for help. A lot of people find it hard to open up to people when they are being assaulted, but hiding the problem only compounds it. Most times these terrible people do not change, they only get worse as time goes by, so it’s super important to get help ASAP! You can contact your local help center in Harrisburg or a Harrisburg domestic violence lawyer for domestic violence victims, more information on this can easily be gotten from the web by doing a quick search. You could also reach out to a trusted friend or family member, whatever you do, don’t keep quiet. The lock down should not make you keep quiet. Seek help!
Report to the police: as a result of the covid-19 lock down, there are so many enforcement agents around different localities, this makes it easy for anyone to easily contact the police without necessarily having to get to the station. If you could bring some evidence along that would be a plus for you. Anything from recording of conversations, to pictures that could help you build a case. Whatever you do, don’t live with that kind of violation and don’t suffer through this lock down.
Seek health care: as a result of the lock down, so many national services have been put on hold. Thankfully, health care services are fully functional. As much as they already have so much on their hands and it would be too bad to overburden them with more issues. However, it’s better to speak to some health care personnel about being abused than to be silent about it.
17 Comments
Trent peek
This is something that the news media tends to wash over when major things over shadow them. Thanks for the eye opening post, and I hope that people who are going through this right now find someone that can help them.
Ting
This is a difficult time for everyone especially for those experiencing domestic violence. Hopefully your tips can help them
case law
Wow, well-written article- Thank you share with us about “domestic violence”
Capri
Thank you for sharing your insight into domestic violence. It is important to know it comes in many forms.
Monidipa
Now I wonder that I am so lucky that I’m not in lockdown with my ex. He would have killed me. We broke up 6years back but stil I’m afraid. I wonder how others are coping with it.
Magen
This is one of those terrible side effects that I don’t think a lot of people want to think about. Domestic violence is such a scary and hard thing to go through but hopefully your tips will be able to help someone experiencing it.
Maysz
This is so awful to those people who experiencing domestic violence during community quarantine. I hope they get the justice soon. These tips would help a lot.
Prakhar Kasera
This is something that never came to light for the most. But glad that you brought it up as it is one important thing to consider.
Raksha N
Yes this is exactly what I was thinking about today. This lockdown might have increased the domestic violence.
judean
Toxic relationships whether family-oriented or sexual are not okay. I cannot imagine those who are shut in with an abusive person at this trying time. The longer this shelter in place goes forward, the worse the abuse can get. Mental Health and domestic violence hotlines/counselors will be so needed after this crisis.
Vasundhra
Oh my! I hadn’t put this into consideration. Man, the world is going through a lot lately. Thanks for putting up a practical post about domestic abuse. Hope nobody has to endure that 🙁
Jessica L
This is such a heartbreaking situation for so many. This post is a great way to raise awareness though, and that’s the first step! <3
Kevine
OMG, so needed. As an educator, I feel for my students who are in struggling homes because I’ve read that such rates have increased.
aisasami
I have heard this one of the new fears that are starting now that everyone is in lockdown and staying at home. I hope people find resources like this on to help their situation if domestic violence occurs.
Sadiq Saleem
It’s a very difficult time for everyone, especially those exposed to domestic violence. I hope your tips can help you
Cyndi Buchanan
This would be a truly terrifying time to encounter domestic violence. Thank you for sharing these tips.
Chidera stephen
It is so sad that this is the plight of most women in NIgeria. Coronavirus outside and abuse inside, mehnnn. I just want it all to end. NICe tips sis.