The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many aspects of daily life by bringing about unexpected societal outcomes, such as the notable increase in sexual violence. Domestic abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent during the pandemic, a consequence of the many stay-at-home orders instituted throughout the past year.

As people face worsening circumstances, tensions rise in households and victims of domestic violence do not have the ability to escape the confinement of their homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, common exacerbating factors of violence against women – especially domestic violence – include health concerns, cramped living conditions, isolation with abusers, financial worries, movement restrictions and deserted public spaces.

Additionally, a fear of catching the virus makes victims reluctant to go to the hospital or crisis centers, which otherwise offer life-saving screenings for domestic violence. In the meantime, such centers and social service providers struggle to provide their services whilst adhering to the COVID-19 health protocols.

The consequential increase in domestic and sexual abuse, paired with a decrease in resource availability for the victims, created what the United Nations (U.N.) describes as a “Shadow Pandemic.”

For Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, President Biden released a proclamation that described the increase of sexual assault and domestic abuse that occurred, and continues to occur, during the pandemic. He also publicly recognized that sexual assault was already a health crisis of its own prior to the pandemic. 

In his proclamation, he also detailed the support that his administration is in the process of providing through the $450 million in funding to domestic violence and sexual assault services through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). 

Along with financial aid, President Biden has also created the first-ever White House Gender Policy Council, whose goal is to pursue gender equity and develop the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. To further strengthen the national commitment to end gender-based violence, President Biden also included a call for the renewal and approval of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that he championed as a Senator.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violience, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you or someone you know may be in immediate danger, call 911.

The clash took place during a series of Palestinian protests regarding the commemoration of the loss of their land to Israel, alleged intensification of Israel’s aggression toward Palestine and U.S. President Donald Trump’s official recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Of the 16 people killed by the Israel Defense Forces, one was wheelchair bound and another was a farmer who was allegedly not at the protests. A fellow farmer placed him near the scene collecting parsley in his field when he was shot by a tank. Other recorded injuries are because of live shrapnel, rubber bullets and tear gas.

The U.N. Secretary General has expressed his concern over the clashes, urging both sides to stop participating in any act that could increase tensions or casualties.  

“This tragedy underlines the urgency of revitalizing the peace process aiming at creating the conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations for a peaceful solution that will allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side peacefully and in security,” a U.N. spokesman said in a statement.

Some reports indicate that the demonstrations held in support of Palestine were peaceful.

“However, there are also reports that some protestors engaged in stone-throwing and violent behavior; some reportedly carrying weapons,” added Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, the U.N. Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs.

“The large crowds … reflect the Palestinian people’s determination to achieve the right of return and break the siege, and no force can stop this right,” said Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum.

Avigdor Liberman, Israel’s Defense Minister, tweeted a message to the contrary, a warning to the people of Gaza.

“Everyone approaching the wall endangers his life, I advise you to continue your normal lives and not engage in provocation,” Liberman tweeted, in Arabic, March 30.

The U.N. Security General Antonio Guterres has recommended an independent investigation into the deaths. However, the Security Council did not decide on any action or joint message after they held an emergency meeting March 30.

Liberman refused the calls for an investigation and added that Israel will not cooperate with any international inquiries into the excessive use of force that resulted in the deaths of the protestors.

Photo credits toAP Photo/Adel Hana.