Domestic violence cases in Lebanon have further increased from 51% in December 2020 to nearly 97% in recent days, according to a senior security officer.
The sharp rise (96.5%) in domestic violence incidents was revealed by the head of the Internal Security Forces’ (ISF) Public Relations Division, Col. Joseph Musallem, who told LBCI that there has been a clear and significant increase of cases throughout the quarantine period.
Musallem said that 62% of domestic abuse cases reported to the ISF’s dedicated hotline (1745) were by the abused individuals. The rest of the reports are by neighbors then by friends and family members.
The officer emphasized that the domestic violence hotline has served an important role in helping victims of domestic abuse.
He also stressed that it is the ISF’s duty to protect victims, noting that policemen and officers who answer calls to the hotline had undergone training and partaken in workshops related to domestic abuse, in order to understand how to communicate with a victim and how to follow and respond to a case.
Lebanon recorded a massive surge in domestic abuse and gender-based violence cases in the aftermath of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the lockdown and quarantine measures it brought.
In December, the Lebanese Parliament passed a modified law that enabled additional protection of women and household members from domestic abuse.
However, it hasn’t tamed nor eradicated the problem as noted by the increase in cases. A most recent tragedy was recorded just this week with the death of a six-month bride strangled by her husband.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, there are local organizations that can help. Reach out to: KAFA: +961 3 018 019, Himaya: +961 3 414 964, ABAAD: +961 81 78 81 78
