General-Secretary of the United Nations The United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres, has asked the world governments to include domestic violence prevention and redress plans in their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Guterres, addressing a virtual news briefing at the UN headquarters, said domestic violence cases had doubled amid the lockdown measure implemented by countries to curb the spread of the pandemic.

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For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest — in their own homes, and so I appeal for peace at home — and in homes — around the world, he noted.

We know lockdowns and quarantines are essential to suppressing COVID-19, but they can trap women with abusive partners.

The number of women calling support services has doubled while healthcare providers and police are overwhelmed and understaffed, he added.

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