Experiencing domestic violence during this covid-19 lock down? here’s what to do!

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.