Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have reported an increase in domestic violence and intimate partner violence.^[1] United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, noting the "horrifying global surge", has called for a domestic violence "ceasefire".^[2][3] UN Women stated that COVID-19 created "conditions for abuse that are ideal for abusers because it forced people into lockdown" thus causing a "shadow pandemic" that exacerbated preexisting issues with domestic violence globally.^[4]

Domestic violence and sexual exploitation, which is already an epidemic around the world, spike when households were placed under the increased strains that come from security, health and money worries, and cramped and confined living conditions. Prior to the lockdowns, it was estimated that one in three women will experience violence during their lifetimes, a human rights violation that also bears an economic cost of US$1.5 trillion.^[5][6][7] Many of these women are now trapped at home with their abusers and are at increased risk of other forms of violence as overloaded healthcare systems and disrupted justice services struggle to respond.^[5][6][7] Women especially essential and informal workers, such as doctors, nurses and street vendors are at heightened risk of violence as they navigate deserted urban or rural public spaces and transportation services under lockdown.^[5][6][7]

More domestic violence helplines and shelters around the world are reporting rising calls for help.In a number of countries, domestic violence reports and emergency calls have surged upwards of 25 per cent since social distancing measures were enacted. Such numbers are also likely to reflect only the worst cases.^[5][6][7] In Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, government authorities, women's rights activists and civil society partners have flagged increasing reports of domestic violence during the crisis, and heightened demand for emergency shelter.^[5][8][7] The European Parliament issued a press release addressing the issue writing "we won't leave Europe's women alone" and asked member states to increase support to domestic violence victims during the pandemic.^[9]