Because We Matter: Addressing COVID-19 and Violence Against Girls in Asia-Pacific

Emerging data shows that since the outbreak of COVID-19, violence against girls and women, particularly domestic violence, has intensified. UN Women has described gender-based violence (GBV) as a “shadow pandemic” coinciding with COVID-19 across the world. This thematic policy brief aims to seek and secure commitment from regional and national leaders to urgently prioritize and invest consistently in the protection of girls, who are disproportionately exposed to multitude forms of violence and their devastating consequences.