Stop domestic violence

To: Ministers responsible for domestic violence in Europe

Lives are at risk, and not just from coronavirus. Gender-based violence kills one person every few days in Europe [1]. And with coronavirus lockdowns sweeping across Europe, victims will have nowhere to go.

People staying home and physically distancing is crucial to stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives, but for many, being stuck at home means being trapped with a violent abuser for weeks or possibly months on end, with no escape.

It’s crucial that governments set up emergency domestic violence response plans to protect victims, before this situation spirals out of control. A petition directed at ministers responsible for domestic violence across Europe could push them to prioritise this issue the way it deserves.

We call on ministers responsible for domestic violence to immediately establish and fund an emergency coronavirus-specific domestic violence prevention plan to:

• Increase the capacity of helplines and text or chat lines for those who can’t ask for help out loud in front of abusers
• Introduce new and/or expand and support existing emergency shelters to house adults and children safely
• Set up a network of support for meeting the needs of those in crisis
• Launch a public awareness campaign to inform people of their options
• Work towards long-term solutions to ensure those in crisis are protected after the crisis

If your country has established these protocols, please use your power of influence to call for the same everywhere across Europe.

[1] Source