Lockdown brings increase in domestic violence, other crimes

The national lockdown has restricted people’s movements in a big way – alcohol and cigarette sales have been halted, which has had a positive impact on certain crimes, but has increased others.

According to Pretoria specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis, the lockdown has seen a decrease in murders, robberies and hijackings but has resulted in a spike in gender-based violence across the country.

“One contributing factor is that people are not used to being in confined spaces and being together for such long, uninterrupted periods of time,” Bolhuis said.

“On 6 April, police minister Bheki Cele said police had received more than 87 000 gender-based complaints in the first week of the lockdown. This is extremely worrying as the lockdown period has been extended by another two weeks.”

Bolhuis said that some of the factors that triggered domestic violence cases were:

– Economic stressors;

– Alcohol abuse;

– Substance abuse;

– Irritability;

– Anger and frustration; and

– Anxiety and depression.

According to Bolhuis the lockdown not only increased domestic violence but it made it near impossible for people to report it or escape it.

– Victims may not have access to phones, airtime, or public transport to take them to a police station, shelter or a doctor;

– Reporting an abuser during lockdown can be complicated because the victim is never alone;

– Fear of emotional damage to children in the house is a very real concern;

– The victim may be financially dependent on the abuser;

– Illiterate people suffer more;

– Victims do not trust the police and authorities;

– Cultural and religious constraints place certain members of society in danger; and

– Fear of retaliation.

“We strongly urge people to get help as soon as possible when experiencing domestic abuse.

“Unfortunately, other crimes have also increased.”

These include:

– Vandalising and robbing schools – 55 schools have been vandalised or broken into since the lockdown started in March;

– Liquor store looting – the goal is to resell the liquor illegally;

– Rape at temporary shelters;

– Robbing of chain stores;

– Cable theft; and

– Gate motor theft.

“It’s very important that all South Africans stand together and forget about their religious and political differences. Everyone should focus on their own personal safety and security, that of their neighbours and of other members of their community. It’s important to look out for the poor and the uneducated, inform those in need of the pandemic and explain where help is readily available,” Bolhuis said.

ALSO READ: Crime, emergency calls decrease since lockdown

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