Australia coronavirus lockdown pushes ‘safe phones’ demand for women

A person holding a sign reading 'Break the silence' during a rally to denounce femicides and domestic violence in Le Havre, northwestern France. A scheme that hands out free phones to women facing domestic abuse to ensure they have access to secure safety has seen an 'uptick' in demand, a charity said, with requests doubling in some areas. — AFP

KUALA LUMPUR: Demand for "safe phones" given to Australian women facing domestic violence under a government-funded scheme has surged as coronavirus lockdown measures sparked concern that women are trapped with their abusers.

Countries across the world have imposed lockdown measures to contain the pandemic, after more than 420,000 people have been infected by the virus and about 19,000 died. Australia began similar curbs this week.