Domestic Abuse during The Pandemic

Source from Internet

The idea of writing this blog about domestic abuse is due to the many times I have read through the articles and news on this topic either happening in Malaysia or overseas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people were restricted under the Movement Control Order (MCO) and the record on domestic abuse cases from January to August in 2021 almost reached 5000 cases. Domestic abuse cases recorded included domestic violence and sexual harassment not only from physical but also online. The rising number of domestic abuse cases must be taken seriously by everyone in the society.

BUT what makes the cases for domestic abuse during the pandemic rise nearly reach the number of cases happening in 2019 in just eight months?

During the MCO period, most of the people were restricted to stay at home and due to the pandemic, it affected the function of the economy which caused lots of businesses to shut down and most of the employees lost their job. In my view of point, people stayed home for a long period and lost their income which made them facing financial issues. This would cause them into a stressful situation and reflect their emotional stress to their family members. 

Besides, the people who had a record of domestic abuse before were isolated in their house and stayed with their family members due to the movement restriction order. This gave the chance for the abusers to have violence towards their family members. This situation had put the survivors into a dangerous situation. 

Journalists can play a good role in making people aware of domestic abuse in society.

During the pandemic, the media has played an important role in delivering current happenings and updates to the public. From what I can see, the media can raise awareness on domestic abuse which everyone has the responsibility to address. At this moment, people are spending more time on using electronic devices where the articles about domestic abuse can be noticed or read by the public easier. Journalists can help on spreading the notes about the helplines for people who are suffering under domestic abuse. People also would not wish to be the victims of domestic abuse.

NO ONE WOULD LIKE TO A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE!

References: 

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/09/23/over-9000-domestic-violence-cases-recorded-since-mco-began-rina-harun-tells-parliament

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/902-cases-of-domestic-violence-reported-from-jan-april-KX7819815

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2021/02/05/mco-2-0-to-see-rising-reports-on-domestic-abuse/