"For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest. In their own homes," Guterres said in a statement and a video released with subtitles in several languages.
"Over the past weeks as economic and social pressures and fear have grown, we have seen a horrifying global surge in domestic violence.
"I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19," he said. (AFP) RUP