Domestic Violence During COVID19 Outbreak

It has been days since I am self-isolated in my home due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Kosovo, the same as in many other countries all over the world and the same as a majority of people all over the globe. 

It has been one week now and we have no idea how long this situation will last. Isolated from the world, everyone is in their “safe place” – as we call it – home. I keep reading what people write on social media: “take a ‘rest’; ‘stay home, you and your family will be safe’, read a book, meditate, cook, and find some time to spend with your loved ones”.

I used to write like them too, then in a moment I remembered how women “live” – or to better say – survive (if they can) in a patriarchal society. 

Self-isolated, in most cases living with rapists, the perpetrators, the abusers. Afraid of going out, covered, socially distanced, for them it is not a problem that bars and pubs are closed now. 

They do not need the Government to tell them to work from home, they do it every day with the housework. According to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (ASK) in 2019 the employment rate for women is only 14.1%, while the employment rate for men is 49.0%. If they work in the private or public sector, usually they do not have decision-making or managerial positions. Furthermore, after their shift – they have another shift at home – cleaning, cooking, washing the dishes, taking care of their family and so on. 

Yes, one of the slogans of this year’s 8th of March protest was “women work two shifts” and it is right! 

Apart from working in their office, in their jobs, and doing the chores from Monday to Sunday, they are also working from home now due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But, can we imagine how difficult it is for them? Now that everyone is at home, specifically the perpetrators, rapists, the abusers. They’re all jointly staying in “the safe space” – which is rather safe for men in my opinion.

During this self-isolation period, I have read many articles on domestic violence cases during the COVID-19 outbreak. During January and February 2020 – according to Kosovo Police statistics – 311 domestic violence cases have been reported, among which 246 reports are violence against women and girls. 

1,915 domestic violence cases have been reported in 2019, of which 1,557 are violence against women and girls. And just imagine how many of them have not been reported.

We say stay home so we can save lives, which is correct but do we know how many women and girls have been violated, raped, and murdered right in their homes? I know that now everyone is talking about how to protect from, and prevent coronavirus while staying home and following our Governments’ instructions, but please do not forget women and girls that are staying home with their perpetrators. “Patriarchy kills more than coronavirus” – but in different ways.

During this self-isolation period let’s find some time and talk about it with people who surround us. Especially, let’s talk to the men and boys whom we have close to ourselves. Let’s provoke their mindset that has been set by the patriarchal society. Let them know what women and girls suffer every day due to this system, talk about equality, division of responsibilities in housework, property rights and tell them the last stories of Diana Kastrati, Antigona Morina, Arianita Zahiti, Armenda Aliu, Donjeta Pajazitaj, Feride Prokshi, Igballe Llalloshi, Sevdije Berisha, Valbona Marku and her daughter Klara, Zejnepe Bytyqi, and all the stories of those women and girls that patriarchy has murdered.

The Government and the Kosovo Police should not forget this important issue of society, thus – please pay attention and respond responsibly to these cases!
Report domestic abuse by calling: 0800 199 99 – You are not alone! We feel your pain!

Written by: Njomza Berisha
Edited by: Liridona Berisha