Gender based violence during Covid-19
The unprecedented global pandemic has sparked a rise in the frequency and severity of domestic, family and gender-based violence.
Your Covid-19 stories are needed.
If you are experiencing violence, please share your story with us. We are informing better response systems from decision-makers and support services.
The shadow pandemic
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has turned everyone’s world upside down. People are more isolated than ever, and lockdown has been uniquely challenging – it’s important to acknowledge any anxiety, fear, grief or sadness you may be feeling. After all, we still don’t know when life will go back to normal, or what the new normal will be like to live in.
Unfortunately, research all over the world has found that, as with previous pandemics and disasters, gender-based violence has increased at this time. That’s why we’ve created this resource: for anyone experiencing such violence behind closed doors. We are here to let you know: social isolation is no excuse for it. You are not alone, and there is help available.
The statistics
15m
additional cases of domestic violence are predicted to occur for every 3 months of lockdown across the world
75%
of Australian victims said the violence had started or escalated in the first three months of lockdown
33%
of Australian victims said that during lockdown was the first time their partner had been violent towards them
53%
of Australian victims who had experienced violence from their partner prior to February 2020 said the violence had now increased in frequency or severity
But that's not the whole story
Many people experiencing violence are not able to report during this time. You might not report because:
You are unable to seek help while being trapped at home with an abuser
You’re unsure if you can leave the house during this time to report to police
You’re not in a heterosexual relationship, so don’t feel like there are support services for you
You are cut off from your support network who might help you file a report
When you share your story with us,
you remain anonymous
while contributing to change.
What you need to know about seeking help for gender-based violence during COVID-19
Our Covid-19 campaign partners
Helpful links
Social isolation is no excuse for violence.
Perpetrator accountability continues during lockdown. Police continue to respond to incidents of violence at this time, so if you are in an emergency, please call 000.
Be part of the crowd.
Sign up for updates, news, and ways you can help to end gender based violence.
Sometimes telling your story can be triggering. If you feel like chatting to someone or need to seek help, please contact 1800 RESPECT. If you’re in danger contact 000 or 112.
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We work on the traditional land of the Kulin and Gadigal peoples. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded. We call for a treaty and we pay our deepest respect to elders past, present and emerging.