UN Women, an international organization working on women's empowerment and gender equality, estimates that of the 87,000 women killed worldwide in 2017, more than half died at the hands of their husbands or some relatives. This means that around 137 women are killed daily by a member of her family.

Besides, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean reported that, in 2018, it was estimated that at least 3,529 women were killed in 15 countries in the region.

After adhering to the measures imposed all over the world because of the Corona virus, and in light of these numbers, it became clear that warnings should not be raised due to the spread of the virus, but also because of the other rampant epidemic, The death of thousands of women who were subjected to quarantine at home with their abusers.

The UN Secretary-General called on all governments to prioritize women's safety while responding to the epidemic

Female killing rates increase

Since the start of preventive isolation in the world, most countries have reported increased frequency of domestic violence and female killing rates. In China, the non-governmental organization "Equality Now" registered an increase in the number of calls to its helpline, and in Spain an increase in calls to the same situation was reported by about 18% in the first two weeks of isolation. Likewise, the police in France noted a 30% increase in domestic violence.

On March 23, 2020, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "We need to fight the disease that is destroying our world. This starts with ending confrontations everywhere." Later, he wrote on Twitter, "I ask all governments to prioritize the safety of women while responding to the epidemic."

 Red chin strap

For its part, the Canary Islands government has launched one of the most favorable initiatives, with which any woman facing this risk can go to the pharmacy and ask for “Mask-19 ″” thus alerting employees that she needs help. In Argentina, among other measures taken by the Ministry of Women An amendment to the name of Mask-19, which was named "Red Chin Belt".

Domestic violence is increasing significantly and includes verbal and physical abuse and assault of victims with sharp objects

The author explained that the Ministry of Women, in conjunction with the Argentine Pharmaceutical Federation, asked all pharmacies to adhere to a specific protocol, since if a woman requests a red mask, she should contact her and request information from her. According to the ministry, complaints of gender-based violence increased by 39% during the quarantine period.

From early January to April 9 2020, around 96 deaths were recorded in Argentina. About 25% of the homicides occurred while complying with restriction measures to prevent Covid-19 infection.

Don't Stay Home Campaign

Another measure taken by Argentina and inspired by the Madrid government is the "Don't Stay Home" campaign that not only enables victims of domestic violence to seek help, but also ensures that they do not stay under one roof with the aggressor by placing hotels and tourist centers at their disposal.

The author warned that we are currently witnessing another pandemic of violence against women, where the killing of women does not stop and domestic violence increases significantly, verbal and physical violence includes assaulting victims with sharp tools, and this kills many in Argentina and other countries.