Covid-19 has created a 'pandemic within a pandemic' of gender-based violence

At the launch of the ICGBV’s new strategic plan for 2021 – 2026 its chair and Trócaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, said gender-based violence is impacting millions of women and girls around the world who are unable to access services or seek safety because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The Irish Consortium on Gender Based Violence (ICGBV) has demanded increased efforts to stop violence against women, warning that Covid-19 has created “a pandemic within a pandemic”.

The Consortium, an alliance of Irish organisations, Irish Aid and the Defence Forces, has said increased commitment is required to fight the “shadow pandemic” of violence against women across the globe.