The coronavirus induced lockdown has forced everyone to stay at home. While the home is thought to be a safe place, it is being reported that cases of domestic violence have spiked in the past couple of days – not only in Pakistan but across the world. Human Rights Organisations in all countries are stepping up to assist women and children who are victims of domestic abuse and feel unsafe in their homes.

Rozan, a non-government organisation, is offering psychological counselling in Pakistan through a telephonic helpline.

It was launched to help the survivors of gender-based violence and women and girls in abusive situations during the coronavirus quarantine. There will be a special focus on women and children’s needs during this time, said the CSO on Twitter.

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Rozan counsellors are working from home from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm to provide counselling on telephones. The helpline numbers are: 0335-5000401, 0335-5000402 and 0335-5000403. Their toll-free number is 0800 22444.

Work crisis management will also be available. The organisation said it will provide guidance on how managers and employees can work more effectively.

This service, called the Rozan response to COVID-19, was a result of a collaboration between the CSO and the United Nations Population Fund which is the UN’s agency working on sexual and reproductive health issues.

Ministry of Human Rights also launched a helpline for those facing violence during this lockdown.