Malaysian women, children bear brunt of coronavirus lockdown

Women and children have been hardest-hit by coronavirus restrictions in Malaysia, experts say, with domestic violence and calls to abortion helplines both increasing during lockdown.Women’s groups reported a threefold increase in distress calls over the past year, while a reproductive rights group said calls from women seeking access to safe abortions increased nearly 50 per cent over 2020 compared to 2019.The Women’s Aid Organisation reported a 150 per cent increase in calls to its hotline and…