Gaza - In the houses of the Strip, the economic crisis fosters violence

While two million people in Gaza live tense days in fear that sooner or later even in the Strip coronavirus will occur - so far there have only been 17 positive cases, with 10 healings - in the intimate of homes there are already those who month is paying the price of the health crisis firsthand. According to the Aisha organization for the protection of women and children, there is a sharp increase in family violence following the order given to the population to go out on the street as little as possible. "In particular - Aisha director Rim Freineh told ANSA - psychological pressures and verbal violence are reported. Sometimes there is also physical violence."
    In 70 percent of cases, the immediate cause of the violence is attributable to heightened economic difficulties. To these are added complications related to the closure of Islamic courts dealing with family disputes and civil courts. In the meantime, the police have received other more urgent tasks. In the face of situations of violence, in 59 percent of cases - according to Freineh - there is therefore no choice but to ask the family for help. Others turn to NGOs like yours, or to neighbors. "According to Freineh, there are no preordained plans to deal with family violence." The situation, he warns, is becoming increasingly worrying. Organizations such as Aisha can today only give voice to the sense of helplessness of those who report being victims of domestic abuse.