MADRID - Calls to Spain's governmental
helpline for victims of gender violence shot up in the first two
weeks of a state of emergency lockdown imposed to combat the
spread of coronavirus, the government said on Wednesday.
Calls increased by 12.4% in the first two weeks of the
lockdown compared to the same fortnight last year, while online
consultations of the helpline's website grew by 270%, the
Equality Ministry said.
Spain, like many other nations, has introduced stringent
curbs on people's free movement outside the home to help halt
the spread of coronavirus. Spain is among the countries worst
affected by the pandemic, with over 9 000 deaths as of Wednesday.
Worried about a rise in violence against women as people are
stuck at home and can only go out to buy groceries, visit the
pharmacy or, in some cases, to work, the government has started
a new campaign encouraging women to call the helpline.
"We're here for you," said one poster with the helpline's
number 016.
While most workers need to stay at home, the government said
all services to help women victims of domestic violence would
remain open.
It also said on Tuesday that victims of gender violence and
their children would be housed in hotels if there is no room at
the centres where they can normally stay in an emergency.
Spain's coronavirus lockdown started on March 14.