During the two months of COVID-19 lockdown in Italy, the number of calls reporting domestic abuse increased by 64 percent.
Italian organization, D.i.Re, Women Online Against Abuse, reported from March 2- April 5, 28 percent of callers had never rung one of their 80 anti-abuse centers before.
ANTONELLA VELTRI
President, D.i.Re
Every woman's story is a story in itself. We don't usually receive emergency calls, but rather repeat calls from women who have difficulty talking about what they have lived and their violent situation. We have invited the women to come our center and speak. Once there, they will start to build a path of autonomy and find freedom from violence.
Violence not only affects women, but oftentimes young children as well. The Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) reports from 2013 to 2019, 90 percent of abuse took place at home. It is amplified with everyone inside during the quarantine.
D.i.Re offers safe houses for survivors and instruction on how to reclaim their life and demand respect in relationships. The social workers' job is more essential with the lockdown.
ANTONELLA VELTRI
President, D.i.Re
“We are here. Don't be afraid. We are here and will continue to be. In each location, we've gone remote, through phone. Every center against violence has an emergency number. We have told women, that by going remote during the lockdown, we are here for you.”
The safe houses are available, but many find it difficult to escape from controlling or life-threatening situations. That's why 77 percent of victims never report abuse, out of fear of repercussions.
ANTONELLA VELTRI
President, D.i.Re
“We see the forced lockdown is in the same homes that are often the location of violence and abuse. We have made various strategies to help women. 'Go down to take out the trash and call our center against violence. We are here. Or go to the pharmacy to buy medicine and call us from there. We are here and will respond.”
The forced quarantine has caused a greater attention to those who are experiencing violence behind closed doors and feel alone, especially in this time. Organizations like D.i.Re want women to know they don't have to suffer and there is hope for healing and a future without violence and with mutual respect.
Melissa Butz
