COVID-19 Resources for VAWG Mitigation and Prevention, Self and Collective Care, Assistance and more

The impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on women across the world, including our members and allies, is evident and ever present on our minds. We recognize all COFEM members, allies, and partners being affected by restrictions, social distancing, quarantine, and extreme lockdowns around the world, and how this has changed the shape and rhythm of our days and lives. Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty while continuing our work, increasing responsibilities, and perhaps lack of resources may naturally result in higher levels of stress than usual. This curated list includes care resources, information on receiving and giving assistance, and more. 

Like past outbreaks and crises, we are seeing that the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating VAW. As lockdowns intensify, women are trapped with abusive partners, and are unable to access essential support services. Women already living in disaster settings are being impacted severely.  In order to continue our essential work of preventing and responding to VAW during this pandemic in a safe and ethical manner, the resources below also include articles, webinars, and new and adapted guidance notes on how to sustain and support VAW prevention and mitigation work alongside COVID-19 containment strategies. 

This collated list is a living page that will be updated regularly.

Articles

Lockdowns around the world bring rise in domestic violence – Guardian
Where Can Domestic Violence Victims Turn During Covid-19? – New York Times
COVID-19: the gendered impacts of the outbreak  – The Lancet
Overcoming the ‘tyranny of the urgent’: integrating gender into disease outbreak preparedness and response – Gender and Development
Pandemics and Violence Against Women and Children – Center for Global Development
What does feminist leadership look like in a pandemic? – Medium
What do countries with the best coronavirus responses have in common? Women leaders. – Forbes
Happening in states of US: delaying ‘nonessential’ abortions during coronavirus crisis endangers women’s health and financial future. – The Conversation
Coronavirus crisis may deny 9.5 million women access to family planning worldwide. – The Guardian
Policy Brief: The Impact of COVID-19 on Women. – UN
Women are using code words at pharmacies to escape domestic violence during lockdown. – CNN
The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women and Girls and COVID-19 – UN Women
Call for a Feminist COVID-19 Policy – Feminist Alliance for Rights
Lessons from African Feminists Mobilizing Against COVID-19 – State of The Planet (Columbia University)

Help/Assistance

Database of Localized Resources During COVID 19 Outbreak – U.S Giving/Assistance
Thousand Currents’ Above & Beyond Solidarity Fund – Global Giving/Assistance
COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits and Women Entrepreneurs – Kota
If you or someone you know, based in the U.S. needs help to pay for food, bills, or other vital needs, go to http://findhelp.org to find free and reduced-cost services in every U.S. city.

Guidance Documents 

Case Management, GBVIMS/GBVIMS+ and the COVID-19 Pandemic – GBV AOR
Tools and Resources for COVID-19 – GBV AOR
Identifying & Mitigating Gender-based Violence Risks within the COVID-19 Response – GBV Guidelines
Preventing & Managing the Spread of COVID-19 Within Domestic Violence Programs – VAWNet
Securing the Safety and Wellbeing of Women Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Response – GBV AOR
Developing Key Messages for Communities on GBV & COVID-19 – GBV AOR
Gendered Implications of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Development and Humanitarian Settings – CARE International Policy Briefing
Prevention and Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in COVID-19 Quarantine Centres – ICRC
Series on Preventing Violence Against Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Raising Voices

Care

Social Distancing? Here’s How To Prioritize Self-Care – John Hopkins University
Care and Connection in Crisis: Feminist Strategy to Confront COVID-19. – Madre
Happiness Manifestx – Frida
Self-Care Zine – GBV Prevention Net
Self-Care and Self-Defense Manual for Feminist Activists– CREA
Self-Care and Collective Wellbeing Webinar – AWID
Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety – Shine

Webinar 

Gender, GBV & COVID 19 response: Critical priorities for governments, donors and practitioners (Webinar Recording) – Care International
Approaching COVID-19 Risk and Response through a Gender Lens (Webinar Recording) – Center for Global Development
How to organize remotely – A conversation with AWID members and partners (Recording)  – AWID