Authorities around the world see lockdowns as medicine to Covid-19.
And just like any medicine, there are often side effects.
Some are positive, like beautiful sunsets.
Others, not so much.
Violent Fight That Led to a Pond of Blood Occurred in Punggol Flat
On 13 May, it was reported that a serious fight broke out in a flat at Blk 207C, Punggol Place.
Neighbours reportedly heard sounds of arguments from the couple’s flat around midnight as well as the cries of a young child.
A Lianhe Wanbao reporter said that there was blood splattered across the walls and floor outside the flat, as well as within the living room.
A white t-shirt stained with blood was also spotted at the scene.
It was believed that the couple were having an argument and someone smashed an ashtray, causing injuries to both husband and wife.
The woman was apprehended under the Mental Health Act on 12 May 2020.
Domestic Violence Cases Increase Due to Circuit Breaker
In China, more couples are divorcing after spending a horrendous amount of time together during their lockdown.
But there’s something even scarier than divorces: domestic abuse
According to an article that Straits Times ran back in April, domestic cases are increasing in Singapore due to #CB.
The Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) claimed that it has received 619 enquiries in Mar 2020, an increase of 35 per cent compared to Mar 2019.
Aware also said that based on past records, “crises, such as pandemics or economic recessions” typically comes together with “a surge in domestic violence cases”.
A social worker told Aware that 60% of her daily referrals consist of family-related violence, which is double that of last year.
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Lockdowns Make It Harder For Victims
Lockdowns, Nanyang Technological University’s associate professor of psychology, Dr Andy Ho, said, will make it harder for victims to get help.
Imagine spending a large amount of time in close proximity to your abuser. This could result in a higher frequency of abuse.
Victims might also not be able to get private space or time to try and call for help.
Most get their sense of worth and empowerment through their job identity and working from home might take that away from them.
This could potentially affect their choice on whether to seek help or not.
Don’t Stay Silent
The beautiful thing about Singapore is that we all live in close proximity to each other.
The not-so-beautiful thing about Singapore is that we’re all well-trained to mind our own business.
During this period where it’s hard for victims to get help, it might be up to the neighbours to help them out.
Heard weird noises from your neighbour’s home? Frequently hear shouts that get cut off abruptly?
Check up on what’s going on and refer them to the rightful authorities if required.
After all, if we’re so gung-ho about trying to online-shame people even though we don’t really know what the heck is going on, why can’t we be equally gung-ho about trying to save lives?
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