Project launched to protect Vietnamese women and children from violence amid COVID-19

Co-implemented by the relevant Vietnamese ministries, agencies and other stakeholders, the project is expected to raise public awareness – among women and girls, men and boys, parents/caregivers, children and adolescents – about the increased risks of violence in the home, quarantine centres and other institutions.

Increased support for survivors of violence will be delivered across the four cities and provinces of Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City – the locations most affected by the COVID-19 over the past months. This will help ensure survivors have access to integrated and essential services.

Innovative approaches will be introduced in communications and service provision work taking into account the special circumstances of COVID-19 and in partnership with supermarkets, pharmacies and hotels.

The project will support the ongoing efforts by the Vietnamese Government and civil society organisations to strengthen national prevention and response mechanisms to address violence against women and children in the context of COVID-19, and to ensure that all Vietnamese women and children, including those most vulnerable, can live a life free of violence.

“Evidence shows that during crises and disasters, family and gender-based violence increases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, job losses and enforced home isolation have caused rates of violence against women and children to soar in many countries around the world. Domestically, Australia has increased its budgets to address family violence that has occurred as a result of COVID-19. Today, Australia pledges its support to the Government of Vietnam to secure greater safety for women and children in its COVID-19 response,” said Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.

Source: NDO