I have been in an abusive relationship and it is a scary space to hold… now with the virus and curfew, it can only be worse. Instead of police beating up people, can they form a task force to randomly check up on people to make sure cases of domestic violence during this coronavirus quarantine period. People are too busy to scared and focused on personal survival to think about others.
The stress and anxiety of virus can be a trigger for toxic relationships to become even worse. I empathise for anyone in abusive relationship or a marriage or even rape. Home is not always a safe space. Many people use school and work as an escape from evil realities bucket home. If nothing is done, we will see rising cases of mental health, depression, suicide, divorce etc.
Besides depending on the police, we also start by checking up on our neighbours and calling our friends. Random and regular calls especially at night can literary stop a fight and scare the perpetrators when they know someone could call anytime. You don’t even have toast if the person is going through a crazy time, they may even sound okay. Just call and talk about nothing if you can because most victims are afraid and only speak out when it is too late.
Benedicta Dzandu
It a sad reality but it is what it is
Brenda Gutu
Well, I believe that in as much as we are fighting the NCov-19 virus by staying indoors, there should also be sensitization campaigns that take into account people’s mental Wellness in the context of households. I tend to feel like we are trying to Solve a community problem and creating other situational problems. Somebody needs to champion for sensitization and reminders through whichever media to remind us that it is that time we support each other and at least for once forget our differences or deal with diplomacy.
Martyn Seruni
We need to surround ourselves with positive people and avoid toxic environments. The problem is that we develop a sense of connection with the abuser which makes seeking justice lesser than the fear of loosing them. I once had a neighbour who was beaten almost daily and when myself and other neighbours would come to intervene, she would abuse us and say we are trying to break her marriage. She would’ve lie that everything okay.
Chee Danso
They can call the police.
Pls read the link below, it is interesting
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52063755
Martyn Seruni
Thanks for sharing. Sad reality. 🙁 🙁
The victim can call the right authorities such as the police.
Anisa Ndisi
I feel like this has a very simple answer, report the matter to the police. Have them call the endangered spouse and offer their support so they may be able to reach out again.
Martyn Seruni
If you have been in an abusive relationship you know this is not easy. Plus not all forms of domestic abuse are illegal. You can call the police when your partner is being disrespectful or intentionally condescending.