Violence against women and girls and COVID-19: Key issues and actions for Timor-Leste

Women and girls face even more violence in times of humanitarian crises, such as this moment with COVID- 19 and past outbreaks when movement is restricted. Violence against women has been called a “shadow pandemic” because it has huge consequences on the health and well-being of women and girls, but they often suffer in the shadows which has socio-economic costs that will last beyond the pandemic. Hence, it is critical to ensure that all the responses are inclusive and reach out to the most vulnerable groups.