When Staying Home Does Not Mean Safe
By Swanny Wijaya
Amidst the pandemic, political instabilities, and environmental hazards that have been taking place in the world, we are growingly accustomed to encouraging one another to stay home to protect ourselves. Still, the advice may not hold true for everyone.
Domestic violence has always been taboo in Asian communities like Hong Kong’s, even before the pandemic. The humiliation, sense of worthlessness, and fear of inciting even more assaults have discouraged many from raising the problem to others.
To these people, staying home is probably the last thing they wish to do, but the pandemic has forced them to spend more time with their perpetrators than ever. Not only does it increase the chances and frequency of physical harm, but it must also cause significant mental distress on the victims. This only calls for more urgency for us to act.
With increased awareness and collaboration with bodies like Hong Kong Federation of Women’s Centre (HKFWC), victims could be provided with a home and a renewed sense of self that they have, for so long, been deprived of. In the end, everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home.
This article is the first of our new series that gives our consultants the voice to share social issues that they are most passionate about. Follow our LinkedIn for more updates!
