GENDER BASED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMID COVID-19 IN THE KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE (KP), PAKISTAN

Abstract

It is learnt from world’s history that the endemics have always cause a spike in the incidents of gender-based violence including domestic abuse and sexual exploitation as many households struggled with heightened tensions, economic pressures and confinement at homes. The recent passed pandemic of COVID-19 also posed serious threats to the physical and mental well-being of girls and women all over the world. Hence, this research addresses gender-based violence against women of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) amid COVID-19, it is found out that they have equally suffered distress and different kinds of violence amid pandemic lock-downs. In this study, we have tried to map and analyze the existing data on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during COVID-19 in the domestic sphere and assess how the government and civil society responded in provision of essential services to domestic violence victims. Our research has also explored the cases of unreported domestic violence victims too and suggested recommendation to policy makers for future mechanisms to help women in distress in extra-ordinary circumstances.