Has the Quarantine Made Women Prisoners of Abuse?
Has the Quarantine Made Women Prisoners of Abuse?
Bestselling author Dr. Naomi Wolf discusses domestic violence, rape/sexual assault, and more with Naveena Chittineedi. Ms. Chittineedi is an incoming first-year medical student in New York, Social Media Director and Commentator at DailyClout.io, and Department of Health certified Rape Crisis Counselor. Naveena has served for two years at The Safe Center, LI., a crisis center where counselors advocate for victims of rape/sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.
“Domestic violence and rape/sexual assault are recurring themes that have plagued the lives of women I deeply care about including members of my family and close friends. A desire to do my part in combatting this deeply troubing issue and work more directly with high-risk and vulnerable populations inspired me to serve as a Victim Advocate/Rape Crisis Counselor. I advocate for victims of rape/sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking at various hospitals in Nassau County, Long Island. While on twelve-hour call shifts, I rush to the hospital as soon as the police receive a report and quickly find myself placed between traumatized family members, busy ER hospital staff, and sometimes aggressive members of law enforcement. I assist Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) with forensic rape exams, counsel victims during one of the darkest periods of their lives, and connect them with information about state and federal programs that could provide reimbursement for damages related to the incident, the cost of HIV/AIDS and STD medications, and counseling services. These high-risk victims require unique and complex care during normal times. In the midst of a global pandemic, however, various quarantine measures and skyrocketing rates of domestic violence worldwide make the fight to protect victims ever more challenging.
Victims, their friends, and their families desperately need advice in crisis situations. This is especially true given the unprecedented challenges to victim support caused by COVID-19. The Guardian reports that “The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline in a single day” after COVID-19 lockdown restrictions went into effect. Friends, family members, and co-workers typically play a crucial role in connecting victims with the help and support that they need. However, when victims are forced to stay in the confinement of their homes with no access to the outside world these invaluable lifelines may not be able to identify or provide the help they normally would. Increased stressors related to widespread unemployment, exposure to COVID by those who remain employed, and increased alcohol and drug usage heighten the risk of violent behavior and create an environment for domestic abuse to thrive. In the words of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, “For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest — in their own homes.” More than ever, it is important that victims gather important hotline numbers, identification, financial, and health insurance documents and store them in a safe place. Abusers often confiscate these important documents in an effort to wield power over victims and discourage them from escaping and effectively navigating the outside world. If a victim is considering leaving their home, it is important to formulate an emergency action plan that includes children, family, and supportive friends.
Addressing these unique challenges also place an important responsibility on all of us as a community. In addition to individual support, I argue, corporations and organizations can use this opportunity to train essential workers to identify signs of domestic violence and implement protocols designed to help. For example, delivery drivers and postal workers continue to go door-to-door as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and may be able to disseminate information or spot signs of abuse. Grocery stores and pharmacies are additional examples of businesses that need to be vigilant and have a crucial role to play. And finally, it is important to remember, anyone can help. If you think someone is being abused, pick up the phone and call:
Rape/Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Mental Health Help Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
A simple phone call can ultimately save someone’s life.
If you have questions or comments, you can find me on Instagram @navcity_ where I often post and comment on issues related to women’s health, mental health, social justice, and human rights. You can also send an email to info@dailyclout.io.”
Watch Naomi Wolf’s Interview With Naveena Chittineedi Here
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Naveena Chittineedi is an incoming first-year medical student at New York Medical College, Department of Health certified Rape Crisis Counselor, and DailyClout’s Social Media Director and Health Policy Commentator. She graduated cum laude from Stony Brook University with a BS in Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthcare Management. She is currently finishing her thesis on women’s health issues for her MS in Medical Sciences. She is an advocate for women’s health, mental health, social justice, and human rights.
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