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The COVID-19 pandemic is causing untold human suffering and economic devastation around the world.\\nI recently called for an immediate global ceasefire to focus on our shared struggle to overcome the pandemic.\\nI appealed for an end to violence everywhere, now.\\nBut violence is not confined to the battlefield.\\xa0\\nFor many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest.\\nIn their own homes.\\xa0\\nAnd so I make a new appeal today for peace at home \\u2014 and in homes \\u2014 around the world.\\xa0\\nWe know lockdowns and quarantines are essential to suppressing COVID-19. But they can trap women with abusive partners.\\xa0\\nOver the past weeks, as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence.\\xa0\\nIn some countries, the number of women calling support services has doubled.\\xa0\\nMeanwhile, healthcare providers and police are overwhelmed and understaffed.\\nLocal support groups are paralyzed or short of funds. Some domestic violence shelters are closed; others are full.\\xa0\\nI urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19.\\xa0\\nThat means increasing investment in online services and civil society organizations.\\nMaking sure judicial systems continue to prosecute abusers.\\xa0\\nSetting up emergency warning systems in pharmacies and groceries.\\nDeclaring shelters as essential services.\\xa0\\nAnd creating safe ways for women to seek support, without alerting their abusers.\\xa0\\nWomen\\u2019s rights and freedoms are essential to strong, resilient societies.\\nTogether, we can and must prevent violence everywhere, from war zones to people\\u2019s homes, as we work to beat COVID-19.