The National Forum Against Gender-Based Violence in Sri Lanka urges immediate attention to the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence during the pandemic related lockdowns, a statement from it said.
The statement said domestic violence had been recognized globally as a widespread violation of human rights even prior to the pandemic.
“ In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, countries including Sri Lanka have employed travel restrictions, directions to stay and work from home, and limited access to courts. These measures have directly resulted in a manifold increase in domestic violence and have placed unprecedented challenges in the way of victims. The UN Secretary-General recognizing the ‘horrifying global surge in domestic violence’ has called for a ‘ceasefire at home,” it said.
Since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, there has been an increased demand for support services in regards to domestic violence to which the Members of the National Forum have been responding in various capacities. Whilst we acknowledge and commend the response taken by the Government to operationalize the National Hotline 1938 for 24 hrs, there are further challenges that require immediate attention. The concern is that failing to respond may result in serious harm or fatalities.
