Mandatory lockdowns, quarantines and shelter-in-place orders meant to contain COVID-19 have created a shadow pandemic of domestic abuse, says physician Kemi DaSilva-Ibru. Sharing alarming statistics on the rise of gender-based violence worldwide, she describes how Nigeria quickly retrained a squadron of basic health care providers to respond to the crisis -- and shares lesson other countries can adopt to keep people safe from harm.

Kemi DaSilva-Ibru: The shadow pandemic of domestic violence during COVID-19

The shadow pandemic of domestic violence during COVID-19

COVID-19 lockdowns intensified a shadow pandemic of domestic violence, exposing a dire need for global response and support.

In Nigeria, traditional birth attendants were retrained as first responders to gender-based violence, a beacon of hope amid crisis.

Amidst lockdowns, the courage and tenacity of women facing abuse inspire a continued fight for a violence-free society for all.