Reflections: Domestic Violence

In the early days of the pandemic, one of the articles I read highlighted how while a lockdown is the safest way to prevent a spread of COVID-19, it is not a safe environment for everybody. The article explored the increased risk of domestic violence during lockdown as a public health concern. This was a topic that was taboo among my South Asian community. However, the stay at home orders and lockdowns have created a situation that must be recognized as part of our response to the pandemic. In my local community, the organization Apna Ghar works on domestic violence and other women’s health issues within the community, seeking to provide education and care to many suffering from this kind of violence.

After listening to our most recent episode, Gender Based Violence with Aysha Qamar, released earlier this week, one of the biggest revelations for me was how immigration status can enable the perpetuation of violence. Whether it is the dependency on a visa or the inability to work due to immigration status, these can impact the ability for people to escape situations of domestic violence. Immigration status acts as an instrument of power and can be used to exert control and violence within the home. Our healthcare system is also tied to employment which is directly affected by immigration status. This can affect victims of gender based violence who may not be aware or able to access care or options to escape their violent situation. One of the biggest lessons learned from this episode was how different institutions and systems contribute to gender based violence.

Therefore, it is important to continue educating ourselves and our communities about this issue; especially how issues such as immigration, quarantine, and different institutions and systems, can impact domestic violence. You learn more about gender based violence and how to combat it through the information and resources provided by Aysha, on our blog.

by Kartik Ramkumar