Domestic Violence – The Shadow Pandemic Extending its Cast

A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries since the pandemic, shows that two in three women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence. In addition, calls to helplines have increased five-fold in some countries as rates of reported intimate partner violence increase. This year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25th is a meaningful opportunity to raise awareness for this topic and encourage people in need to talk to someone they trust.

The shadow pandemic extending its cast

Emerging data and reports have shown that all types of violence, particularly domestic violence, have intensified. This is the Shadow Pandemic growing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Power and controlling behavior imply abuse and are used by a person to gain and keep control over another person. It is escalated and fortified from both the perpetrator through dominance and the victim through fear. Quarantine, social isolation, and movement restrictions further isolate people at risk as they are more trapped with their abusers in their private homes.

?However, domestic violence is no longer contained within the traditional confines of the interpersonal relationship; it has cast its shadow on the virtual world - cyberstalking, cyber harassment, threats of violence, and more. It is estimated that one in ten women have already experienced a form of cyber violence since the age of 15. Persons at risk who have experienced violence from an intimate partner ‘offline’ are also often victims of ‘online’ violence from either the same person or another person. With more people spending time online, online forms of violence in chat rooms, gaming platforms, and other social media are likely to increase.

?Violence often arises from a need to be in control over the victim and from untreated pre-existing mental health problems. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why the victim remains in the situation. Emotional feelings and inner-belief systems such as embarrassment, shame, confusion, fear, and social perception can prevent a victim from speaking up. Low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, or panic attacks arising from experiencing abuse or violence also make it harder for the victim to take action.

How organizations can help and raise awareness to create hope

The taboo and stigma around domestic violence inhibit many people from speaking up even in a very safe and trustful work culture where support offerings are available and psychological safety is promoted. The continuous promotion and communication of support, hope, and care are vital at all times so people know ‘It’s OK. We care, and you are not alone’. By raising awareness and taking collective action, people in need can feel hopeful of a violent-free future.

Our mental health initiative ‘Are you OK?’ is SAP’s commitment to a no-stigma place of work we are committed to promoting a safe environment and a place of psychological safety where any employee can speak up and ask for help. Multiple programs are cross-promoted under this commitment, for example, the Employee Assistance Program available for SAP employees and immediate family members is embedded in multiple communication channels, platforms, and contexts. Leaders and employees are trained to recognize early warning signs of mental health and can be also trained as Mental Health First Aiders, with the objective of normalizing health-related conversations and lowering the barrier for people to reach out for help.

My advice for organizations wishing to bolster support for employees in challenging times are:

1. Insist on a no-stigma culture. Have an executive sponsor to be a visible role model.
2. Enable leaders to foster a healthy culture through practicing open dialogue, offering transparency, trust, and safety.
3. Ensure employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program or in-house counseling services.
4. Implement a peer-to-peer program like Mental Health First Aiders who are trained to notice and support colleagues who may be experiencing mental health challenges, and to connect them with appropriate resources.
5. Promote the simple one-handed sign Signal for Help, launched by Canadian Women’s Foundation, that someone can use to silently show they need help.

Domestic violence is a human rights violation. Working and supporting each other can help eliminate it and help people on their path to recovery. It makes people sense and it makes business sense.