Sexual Violence: A Silent Pandemic

What is this blog about? Sexual violence. It refers to crimes such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse and/or sexual harm perpetrated by "ANYONE".

What if "stay home stay safe" doesn't apply to everyone?

Why is "anyone" highlighted? Since the last 10 months, I have read about a number of sexual violence crimes especially around India (my home land). The majority of the articles I read were related to domestic sexual violence. This refers to any form of sexual harm by a current or former intimate partner. I will also touch on sexual violence by the most trusted friends, relatives and also their own family members. In this article, I am going to discuss this silent yet huge pandemic which has been on the rise alongside the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

It has been almost a year with news about COVID-19 deaths and cases arising worldwide. As quarantine and stay home efforts have been prioritized, this silent pandemic has been persisting.

Why "silent pandemic"? The reporting of sexual violence in times of a disaster is considered to be a luxury issue- something that is further down in the hierarchy of needs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the emerging data has shown that the act of sexual violence is intensified. The emerging data has shown an increase in calls to domestic and sexual violence helplines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though the data is scarce, media coverage and reports from various organizations reveal alarmingly high rates of domestic and sexual violence.

Violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic- Data shows that one in every five women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Violence against men during the COVID-19 pandemic- Nearly one in every thirty menexperience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Violence against minors during the COVID-19 pandemic- About one in every three female victims experienced physical or sexual violence between 11-17 years old. One in every eight females experienced it before the age of 10. About one in every four male victims experienced physical or sexual violence between 11-17 years old. One in every four victims reported that it occurred before the age of 10.

Self defense- when you're in danger.

How to handle sexual violence? Victims of sexual violence often prefer to keep their victimization hidden, fearing societal blame. But, if one is a victim, this is a danger to yourself and to others who may become the next victim of the abuser. Here are some things which one can do to handle sexual violence and start the healing process:

• Know what sexual violence is- sexual harm by ANYONE without your consent- sexual demand, pressure for sexual contact etc. (it also includes sexual comments and jokes)

• Get medical treatment- A victim who's injured due to sexual violence should first get medical help from a doctor as soon as possible. In case of rape, medical examination should be conducted to detect injury, STIs, pregnancies etc.

• Know that you are not to blame- It is important to remember that no one has the right to sexually touch you.

• Tell someone trustworthy about it- confide your experience in anyone who you trust.

• If not, consider telling the police- if you are in situation wherein you have lost trust on everyone, consider informing the police. It doesn't mean you have to file a complaint against the abuser; it only means you are saving the next victim from the abuser.

• If you are living with the abuser, leave immediately!

• Know these numbers- Make a note of the phone numbers of the police department and other emergency services. Also, gather addresses and numbers of those who you trust who might be able to help you.

• Start the healing process- Find a long term safe place to avoid being a victim again; One can also seek compensation for this crime; Get counselling from professionals.

How can we support survivors? There are organizations working to protect the victims of sexual violence both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Anyone can donate to any of the organizations to fulfill the basic needs of survivors and help them heal.