The Cabinet of the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, as part of the activities for raising public awareness on issues affecting vulnerable groups during the crisis caused by the corona virus, recorded a video message sent by the Wife of the President, Elizabeta Gjorgievska, on domestic and gender-based violence. The aim is to appeal for solidarity and support for all those for whom the home is not the safest place at the moment, and to encourage victims to report violence.
The video message is in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and the Office of the United Nations Population Fund in North Macedonia.
Ladies and gentlemen, below is the integral text of Mrs. Elizabeta Gjorgievska’s message.
Due to the pandemic, we spend more time in our homes, but the home is not always the safest place for many.
The United Nations and civil society organizations have warned of an increase in the risk of gender-based and domestic violence in the wake of the pandemic. Victims of domestic violence face extreme danger when they have to stay in homes with abusers, with limited access to the support and protection network.
Our society is no exception to global trends. That is why it is important for victims to know that:
• there is a way out, regardless of the pandemic
• they can report violence to the police, social work centers, SOS lines, civil society organizations, family doctors;
• they can inform close friends or relatives they trust;
Victims of violence can leave the home during the period of restricted movement to seek help at health facilities, the nearest police station or the first official they meet.
We need solidarity, empathy and mutual support to overcome these difficult days.
And, do not forget, you are not alone in this.
