The Shadow Pandemic
Written by Kathleen Keefer, Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Pre-COVID-19, one in three women throughout the world were subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). With the virus came shutdowns and isolation. Unemployment, money woes, and the possibility of sickness created a critical situation for the Shadow Pandemic. Women are now forced to stay home with their abusers. Shelters are either full or closed due to the virus. Now we have the surge with more shut-downs possible, more isolation, and more IPV.
Action: UN Women has been involved with ending all IPV, pre-COVID and during the pandemic. Violence against women is a human rights violation. Read more about what UN Women is doing and watch and share videos, public service announcements, and infographics.
Prayer: Creator God, we trust in you and in your infinite mercy. Please be with those vulnerable women who are subjected to violence in their homes. Give them strength and courage to persevere. Calm those who would be abusers and bring them peace, so they do not strike out. Bring us all comfort in these trying times. Amen.