Author: Adyasha Mohanti
Counselling Psychologist
As we are witnessing the global pandemic Covid19, it is difficult to stay calm and sane. All of a sudden there is no division of caste, creed, culture, ethnicity, race, religion, etc and the only struggle is survival of the fittest as rightly pointed out by the famous Evolution theorist Charles Darwin. The world follows strict order to maintain quarantine, but is home the safest place to be under lockdown? Women are victims of domestic violence which are making their lives more miserable accompanied by the fear and apprehension related to Covid-19. Being confined to home because of coronavirus is difficult for everyone, but it becomes a real nightmare for female victims of "gender-based violence”.
Violence against Women Throughout the Life Cycle
Phase -Type of violence
Pre-birth -Sex-selective abortion; effects of battering during pregnancy on birth outcomes.
Infancy -Female infanticide; physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.
Girlhood -Child marriage; female genital mutilation; physical, sexual, and psychological abuse; incest; child prostitution, and pornography.
Adolescence- Dating and courtship violence (e.g. acid throwing and date rape)
Adulthood- economically coerced sex (e.g. school girls having sex with “sugar daddies” in return for school fees); incest; sexual abuse in the workplace; rape; sexual harassment; forced prostitution and pornography; trafficking in women; partner violence; marital rape; dowry abuse and murders; partner homicide; psychological abuse; abuse of women with disabilities; forced pregnancy.
Elderly- Forced “suicide” or homicide of widows for economic reasons; sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. ( WHO,1997).
What does Quarantine mean?
In the 11th century Tajik physician Ibn Sina (Avicenna) was the first to use the 40-sanitary isolation “al-Arba-iniya “ ( the fortieth) to prevent the spread of disease. Venetian merchants adapted this “Quarantina” which later became popular in all over Europe.
Governments use quarantines to stop the spread of contagious diseases. Quarantines are for people or groups who don’t have symptoms but were exposed to the sickness. A quarantine keeps them away from others so they don’t unknowingly infect anyone.
Quarantines may be used during:
- Outbreaks: When there’s a sudden rise in the number of cases of a disease.
- Epidemics: Similar to outbreaks, but generally considered larger and more widespread.
- Pandemics: Larger than epidemics, generally global in nature and affect more people.
Domestic violence in the time of Quarantine
Ever since the Covid19 outbreak majority of the countries have asked their citizens to isolate or quarantine themselves who may or may not have potentially come in contact with the infection. This quarantine has accelerated the risks as well. As the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide and governments preparedness with social control measures continues, but victims of domestic violence most often women, are witnessing dual-threat i.e. virus both inside and outside the house. Due to the global lockdown and zero mobility, vulnerable women are trapped with their abusers 24*7, which is a terrifying fact for the victim of violence.
Domestic violence is a serious and challenging public health problem. Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men 18 years of age or older experience domestic violence. Annually, domestic violence is responsible for over 1500 deaths in the United States.(Wahi et.al 2019,Jiang et.al 2018, Harland et.al 2018).
Due to underreporting and difficulty sampling, obtaining accurate incidence information on elder abuse and neglect is difficult. Elderly abuse is thought to occur in 3% to 10% of the population of elders. Elderly patients may not report due to fear, guilt, ignorance, or shame. Clinicians underreport elder abuse due to poor recognition of the problem, lack of understanding reporting methods and requirements, and concerns about physician-patient confidentiality.
Psychological consequences of Quarantine
Research relating to the psychological impact of quarantine using three electronic databases suggests that studies reported negative psychological effects including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion, and anger. Stressors included longer quarantine duration, fear of infected, frustration, boredom, inadequate supplies of basic amenities, inadequate information, financial loss, and stigma. Some researchers have suggested long-lasting effects. Even if quarantine is the need of the hour, the government officials should quarantine individuals not more than required, give proper information that individuals are seeking and make sure that the supplies are provided as per requirement.
During major infectious disease outbreaks, quarantine can be a necessary preventive measure. But longer the duration for troublesome and negative are the psychological consequences. Because psychological violence is harder to capture in quantitative studies, a full picture of the deeper and more insidious levels of violence defies quantification. Survivors and victims' report that the continuous psychological violence of emotional torture and trauma is way more painful and devastating than physical brutality. With mental stress leading to a high incidence of suicide and suicide attempts, a close correlation between domestic violence and suicide has been established.
Other debilitating psychological consequences may include:
- Anxiety ( Constant feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension which are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities, may include Panic attack, Phobias, OCD {Obsessive Compulsive Disorder}, PTSD{Post Traumatic Stress Disorder}).
- Depression ( Persistent sadness and gloomy mood or loss of interest in activities causing significant impairment in daily life).
- Somatoform Disorder ( A mental condition that has a physical manifestation of symptoms like illness or injury but cannot be fully explained by any underlying medical or neurologic conditions).
- Distress (negative stress).
How to Combat Domestic Violence During Quarantine
- Availing Counseling service :
Every person has the right to live with dignity. With the universal lockdown counseling psychologist and therapist are extending their helping hand for free. They are accessible 24*7, globally. The best feeling is to open up and to be heard. Comforting words, empathy, and warmth by counselors may help women fight the battle knowing that they are not alone. It is also important to keep information about violence against women hotlines, social workers, child protection, or the nearest police station, shelters, or support services that are accessible.
- Creating Weapon-Free Zones:
Family members living with an abusive individual can proactively restrict access to weapons. It is important to keep aside all possible violent objects out of the reach of the abuser.
- Preparedness:
Victims can request an abuser take a walk outside to divert their mind. Sometimes taking a break on a balcony or even in a locked vehicle is an option, as long as victims remember to take their phone and immediate necessities. They should also be well equipped in case they need to move quickly to create distance to avoid abuse.
- The Defense of Distraction:
Every relationship might not be a violent one but many arguments can be defused through distraction. Partners in volatile relationships stuck at home together can strategize activities, share efforts and divide responsibilities, watch TV, or even cook special meals which might help divert negative attention. It is also important to seek help from people in the neighborhood when things go out of control. Abusers usually a better behaved in front of outsiders.
- Self Care :
Women must try to maintain daily routines and make time for physical activity and sleep. Using relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation to relieve stressful thoughts and feelings. Engaging in activities that in the past have helped with managing adversity like reading a book, drawing or painting, fulfilling hobbies, sorting out closets, watching albums, talking to loved ones, etc.
For the rest of us, we can make sure to check with people within our own social circle particularly those who are vulnerable, to provide support and guidance in a time of need. Collective efforts to support each other will improve our ability to ensure friends and loved ones to sail through the toughest times the most important aspect of being staying home, staying safe and healthy.