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Murder

The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women and Girls in the Age of Covid

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the Covid pandemic forced people indoors, a shadow pandemic emerged - violence against women and girls. According to Welsh Women's Aid, the organization's Live Fear Free helpline saw a 49% increase in calls during the first year of Covid. Survivors reported a 29% increase in stalking and a 94% increase in threats to their lives. The reality of violence against women and girls is complex and often misunderstood, with attention focused on high-profile cases of young women attacked or killed by strangers. However, the truth is that women of all ages are subject to violence, often by people known to them in their own homes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of calls to Welsh Women's Aid's Live Fear Free helpline increased by up to 49% during the first year of Covid, highlighting the severity of the shadow pandemic.
  • Survivors reported a 29% increase in stalking and a 94% increase in threats to their lives during the same period.
  • The reality of violence against women and girls is often misunderstood, with attention focused on high-profile cases of young women attacked or killed by strangers.
  • Women of all ages are subject to violence, often by people known to them in their own homes.
  • Four out of five women who spoke to the WWA's report said they had experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment.
  • 100% of LGBTQ+ women who responded to the report said they had experienced workplace sexual harassment from a man.
  • The notion of "safe spaces" is complex and does not necessarily address the root causes of violence against women and girls.
  • Education and social change are needed to prevent violence against women and girls, and rhetoric alone will not be enough to address this issue.
  • Welsh Women's Aid believes that a whole society preventative approach is needed, with education fundamental to that.

Statistics:

  • 49% increase in calls to Welsh Women's Aid's Live Fear Free helpline during the first year of Covid.
  • 29% increase in stalking reports to Welsh Women's Aid during the same period.
  • 94% increase in threats to survivors' lives reported to Welsh Women's Aid during the same period.
  • 4 out of 5 women who spoke to the WWA's report had experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment.
  • 100% of LGBTQ+ women who responded to the report said they had experienced workplace sexual harassment from a man.

Sources:

  • [WalesOnline]
  • [Welsh Women's Aid No Grey Area report]

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