THE government must do more to stop domestic violence
during the current lockdown, legal watchdog, Veritas has said.
This comes as countries throughout the world are recording
spikes in the incidences of domestic violence during the lockdown as the world
is grappling to contain the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
Veritas said there is need for government to do more to
deal with the issue of domestic violence.
“More facilities should be made available, and more
information on the problem and on where help is available should be distributed
nation-wide through government channels.
“NGOs play their part but basically, the government is
responsible for the welfare of its people and we call upon government
ministries to see that more is done to protect those who are exposed to
domestic violence during this period of lockdown.”
Veritas said during the lockdown period women are at much
greater risk of domestic violence than ever before because they are stuck
together in permanent confinement with their perpetrators.
“The government should be aware of the problem of increased
domestic violence during the lockdown.
“The Domestic Violence Act Chapter 5:16 provides for
protection from domestic violence and relief for victims. Domestic violence is
defined as meaning any unlawful act, omission or behaviour which results in
death or the direct infliction of physical, sexual or mental injury.
“Acts of domestic violence include physical violence,
sexual abuse, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, economic abuse,
intimidation, harassment, stalking, malicious damage to property, and forcible
entry into the victim’s residence where the parties do not share the same
residence.
“It also includes depriving someone or hindering them from
accessing or having a reasonable share of the use of the facilities associated
with the victim’s place of residence. Daily News
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