Alone. And together.
These women in the West Bank are banging their pots in protest against domestic violence.
The UN says cases of domestic abuse during the global pandemic have increased by 20%
So now women all over the world have taken matters into their own hands, to help other
women in their neighbourhoods.
Text on screen: Ramallah, West Bank
During the West Bank’s eight week lockdown, people stood on their balconies in one neighbourhood
to let vulnerable women know their homes were open to them.
Rabab, who is a woman’s counsellor, has been using Instagram and WhatsApp to reach
out to vulnerable women who may be trapped with their abusers.
(Rabab Korabi)
Now I have received a message from a woman
who gets my messages on a daily basis
She asked me:
“Rabab if a husband continues to insult his wife using obscene and offensive words.
Is this violence?”
Many women do not know the meaning
of domestic violence
and that is why sharing a small message
can make a difference in life.
Text on screen:Thar Desert, India
More than 4,000 kilometers away in India, people have also set up a local phone line
to take calls from isolated and vulnerable women.
(Kavita) Husbands are venting out their frustration
on their wives and children.
Their homes are quite small and it is
causing them some great difficulties.
These women call us to share their problems.
The provinces that make up the area have some of the highest numbers of domestic violence
in India.
By taking dozens of calls a day organising food deliveries, Kavita can check in regularly
with these women, so they aren’t trapped alone.
Text on screen:Rio, Brazil
It is impossible to socially distance in built-up, poorer communities.
Brazil has one of the highest rates of domestic violence. Government figures suggest that
every two minutes, an act of violence against women is committed
in the population of over 200 million people.
In Mare slum - one of the largest in Rio - people can live with more than 10 people in one house
- sometimes with their abusers.
Eliana is a community leader in Mare. She’s employed women who may be in abusive homes
to cook for the homeless during the pandemic.
(Eliana) Everyday they are here making
300 meals, organised, supporting the women
and the community.
Text on screen: Houston, Texas
During the one month lockdown in Houston, Texas, a group of students used social media
and dressed in denim so women could approach them if they needed help.
(Ashri) For a lot of people
staying at home could lead to potentially worse health outcomes
and very dangerous situations
Ashri and other volunteers have been delivering food to vulnerable women who have been in touch.
Inside they added messages telling women where they can get help if they need it.
Although many global lockdowns are easing, the World Health Organization says countries must be on alert
for a second wave of Covid-19 infections.
Coronavirus has shown us the importance of local community - and for these women, the
strength that comes from looking after each other.