"Violence is not confined to the battlefield," said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Sunday in a press release and video in English with French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese or Russian subtitles. recalling its recent call for a cease-fire in all theaters of war to better combat covid-19. "Unfortunately, many women and girls are particularly at risk of violence precisely where they should be protected. In their own homes. This is why I appeal today for new peace. home, in homes, around the world. "
"In recent weeks, as economic and social pressures have worsened and fear has been mounting, the world has experienced a horrible outbreak of domestic violence," said the UN chief. "I urge all governments to take measures to prevent violence against women and to provide remedies for the victims as part of their national action plan against Covid-19," he added. .
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Monday April 6
In claiming that justice continues to prosecute the culprits, Antonio Guterres notably called for the establishment of "emergency alert systems in pharmacies and food stores", the only signs to remain open in many countries. "We must ensure that women can ask for help in a safe way, without those who mistreat them realizing it," he insisted.
According to the UN, which says that it is not able at this stage to quantify the number of women or girls undergoing family violence in the world because of confinement, one in three women experiences violence during their life.
France, Turkey, India ...
Today, with the pandemic, many women are trapped in their homes with their attackers and the phenomenon can affect all countries, note the United Nations. For example, in the United States, several cities have reported an increasing number of cases of domestic violence and appeals about it. In India, the number of cases doubled during the first week of movement restrictions, according to the National Commission for Women.
>> PODCAST - Coronavirus: find all the answers to your questions here
Turkish activists have also called for better protection of women due to an increase in murders targeting them since the government's recommendation for confinement on March 11. The first week of restrictions in South Africa resulted in almost 90,000 complaints of violence, while in France, domestic violence increased by a third in a week. The Australian government has reported seeing a 75% increase in internet searches for support in the face of domestic violence.
The above examples have been reported by organizations or countries with established systems for the protection of women. As the virus spreads, the United Nations says it expects less information from countries with weak institutions, with figures reflecting only the tip of the iceberg and the worst cases.
"Together we can and must prevent violence everywhere, in war zones and in homes, as we strive to defeat Covid-19," said Antonio Guterres.
The UN finally judges that violence against women is likely to take more complex turns: exposure to the coronavirus used as a threat, women evicted from their homes with no place to go, police and justice overwhelmed and making priorities ... In this regard, the UN urges governments to continue to provide shelters for abused women and to keep this file in their definition of essential services.