Across virtually every key measure of childhood, progress has gone backward in the 12 months since the pandemic was declared, leaving children confronting a devastating and distorted new normal, says Unicef. Photo: 123rf.com
Ten-year-old Nurfaraiin is terrified of losing her parents to the coronavirus. Every day when her father, a delivery service rider, and mother who is a cleaner, leave for work, Nurfaraiin cries. She is afraid they will come home with the virus, be taken away to the hospital and die.
“Nowadays, she cries a lot, ” says her mother, Nora, 39. “She follows me around the house and when I have to leave for work, that’s when she starts crying. She says she’s afraid I won’t come back.”
LETTER | Helplines for MCO domestic violence survivors
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LETTER | Last year, following the first movement control order (MCO), domestic violence increased significantly. Now, as we enter phase 2.0 of the MCO, hence it is very important for survivors to know where they can get help for domestic violence during MCO.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can get protection and support during the MCO. You can make a police report, obtain a protection order, and seek medical care. If you are trapped, you can contact the police at 999 to help you.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse (or other forms of gender-based violence), you may contact the following resources for assistance: