Activists seek ways to curb domestic violence

AMMAN — Activists on Saturday called for establishing a specialised national hotline number to respond to the increasing number of domestic violence cases during the novel coronavirus crisis.

“There needs to be a special official line to help victims of domestic violence other than the emergency number 911, so that officials who respond to these calls are trained to handle such complaints and deal properly with the victims,” said Solidarity Is Global Institute Executive President Asma Khader.

Khader was speaking during an online event titled “Did the COVID-19 Crisis Affect Violence and Discrimination Against Women?”, which was organised by Al Quds Centre for Political Studies (QCPS).

Khader pointed out that the nationwide lockdown during the crisis resulted in an increase in cases of violence against women.

“The official figures indicate that the number of domestic violence cases increased by 33 per cent and that is why we need to work hard to deal with this phenomenon and combat it,” Khader said.

The executive director pointed out the need to establish a network of local organisations with comprehensive and systematic plans to help women and girls who are victims of domestic violence during a crisis.

Secretary General of the Higher Population Council Abla Amawi, who also took part in the session, agreed with Khader and adding that “there was a marginalisation of the organisations that worked on women’s issues during the COVID-19 crisis”.

“The government drafted its response plan quickly and there were unintentional gaps in the plan which resulted in the exclusion of several vital entities, including organisations that help women, children and the refugees,” Amawi added.

Amawi also pointed out that a large percentage of “our society, including women, still believes that violence against women is acceptable”.

 “We need to tackle all forms of violence against women and to continue to raise awareness about the problem to encourage more people to contact the relevant authorities and entities for help and guidance,” Amawi added.

Director of QCPS Oraib Rantawi said there is an “urgent need to learn more about what could be done in the short- and long-term to protect women and girls in Jordan, especially during and after the COVID-19 crisis”.

“It is clear that some in our society do not protect or respect women and girls and exert all forms of violence and abuse. I believe the society will not be liberated until we liberate our women,” Rantawi said.