Coronavis crisis and vulnerable refugees article in The Guardian
The following article from The Guardian, 18th May, is based on a project, SERADA, looking at sexual and gender based violence against refugees. The work on this project is being led by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with Uppsala University, Bilkent University and University of Melbourne/Gender and Women's Health Unit.
"Social isolation is exacerbating multilayered traumas - no distractions mean women are reliving abuse episodes, increasing anxiety levels, sleep problems and leading to suicide ideation."
The report added that:
“With many women having lack of digital resources to access online/via phone – women who were moving forward with their lives now feel themselves slipping backwards and are losing hope."
“Individuals feared going hungry and struggled to receive support due to pandemic restrictions, which included suspension of some projects. Work previously available in the informal economy disappeared and losing income opportunities increased economic hardship.
“Forced migrants living in shelters, shared accommodation and overcrowded housing with shared kitchens and toilets were unable to self-isolate – creating health risks and anxiety about contracting the virus. Legal status introduced a range of barriers – from no access to public funds and services to not being allowed to work or open a bank account.” said Jenny Phillimore, lead author.
