During the pandemic, women and children are at greater risk of domestic violence

BUCHAREST, December 10, 2020. On the occasion of the Human Rights Day, December 10, 2020, which marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence Against Women campaign (November 25-December 10), UNICEF in Romania and the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (ANES), express their support for the observance of the rights of all women and children, as an inseparable part of fundamental human rights, both in society and in the family.

"In this difficult period for all mankind, we are convinced that only together we can overcome the problems generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, through individual or joint initiatives, focused on the idea of ​​unity and human solidarity, which can ensure the implementation of appropriate measures support, depending on the needs of children and families", said Mrs. Luminița Popescu, Secretary of State, National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men.

"We must prioritize actions to fight all forms of discrimination and violence against children, girls and women. On Human Rights Day, UNICEF reaffirms its full support for state institutions, in order to ensure equal opportunities for all children and young people in Romania, regardless of gender or social status. The partnership concluded by UNICEF with ANES this year is a solid tool in this regard", said Mr. Pieter Bult, UNICEF Representative in Romania.

Taking into account the lockdown conditions at home, limiting contacts with members of the social network, working at home, schools closure, lack of leisure facilities and financial insecurity, it was observed that family relationships tend to become increasingly strained, accentuating vulnerability for children and women and the increased risk for them of being exposed to domestic violence.

For these reasons, UNICEF and the National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men:

• Launch a public appeal to all members of society, especially in these times of crisis, to show solidarity and help their peers, especially the most vulnerable (the elderly, women, children) becoming vectors of social change, by overcoming stereotypes and prejudices that lead to situations of discrimination and domestic violence against children and women.
• Express their commitment to continuing, both through individual and joint action, measures to prevent and fight discrimination and violence against children and women, and to ensure the necessary support and protection for victims of domestic violence,
• Recommend that all local government authorities be proactively involved in the development of local strategies aimed at eliminating disparities affecting children and their families and developing quality community and social services that meet the needs of the child and family,
• Emphasize the need for and importance of the role of the family, which must be a place of understanding, harmony, dialogue, mutual support, respect for the individual rights of children and women and their choices, providing them with a protective environment that stimulates their development and reaching maximum personal potential,
• Encourage women to report with confidence to the competent authorities the situations of discrimination and domestic violence they and their children face,
• Remind women and children affected by the phenomenon of domestic violence that they are not alone and that professionals in specialized institutions, at all levels, are ready to intervene and provide them with the necessary support whenever they need it,
• Emphasize the existence and availability of the national telephone line at ANES level with the unique number 0800 500 333, for victims of domestic violence, discrimination on the grounds of sex and trafficking in human beings, which provides free counseling, guidance and assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, of the national helpline for children and adolescents with the number 116 111, but also the permanent availability of social services operating at county level, through the care of the General Directorates of Social Assistance and Protection of Children's Rights (emergency placement centers, centers kindergartens, shelters, sheltered housing, psychological support groups, vocational counseling offices, legal counseling, etc.).