Ms.Paluck Sharma, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Kalinga University

The COVID-19 pandemic marked an unprecedented period of health, social, and economic disruption, profoundly impacting daily life. Among the most severe yet often unspoken consequences of the pandemic have been the increase in domestic violence. As stay-at-home mandates confined people to their households, victims of domestic abuse found themselves in perilous situations, with limited access to support services. Although restrictions have eased, the effects of this heightened period of abuse persist, creating a prolonged crisis requiring attention and intervention.

This article examines the rise in domestic violence since the onset of the pandemic, using recent data to illustrate its scope and severity. By understanding the post-COVID trends in domestic abuse, we can identify critical areas for support and policy reform to assist survivors and prevent future cases.

 

Rising Incidents of Domestic Violence During and After COVID-19

The term “shadow pandemic” was coined by the United Nations to describe the surge in domestic violence cases during COVID-19. Factors such as financial stress, mental health challenges, and restricted access to outside support created a “perfect storm” for increased abuse cases. According to UN Women, there was an estimated 25% increase in domestic violence incidents across many countries during the pandemic.

The statistics below reveal the extent of this increase:

Global Increase: In a report by UN Women, 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 experienced some form of sexual or physical violence in 2020. This statistic underscores the extent to which the pandemic exacerbated domestic abuse.

United States: According to the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, domestic violence incidents in the U.S. rose by 8.1% following lockdown measures. Cities like Los Angeles and New York City reported a surge in 911 calls related to domestic violence in 2020, with some regions noting a 10-20% increase in cases.

Europe: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported significant spikes in domestic violence cases across Europe, with France noting a 30% increase in incidents in early 2020. In the United Kingdom, Refuge, a national domestic abuse helpline, reported a 65% increase in calls and requests for support in the first three months of lockdown.

India: In India, the National Commission for Women (NCW) observed a near doubling of domestic violence complaints during the initial lockdown period. Reports show that the NCW received nearly 23,722 complaints between March 2020 and May 2021, with domestic violence being the most reported issue.

Australia: A survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that 10% of women in a study had experienced domestic violence during the pandemic. Alarmingly, two-thirds of these women stated that the violence had either started or worsened since the beginning of COVID-19.

 

Factors Contributing to the Rise in Domestic Violence Post-COVID

Several interconnected factors led to the surge in domestic violence incidents during the pandemic, many of which continue to impact society today:

Economic Instability: Job losses and financial insecurity led to heightened stress and frustration in households. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), global working hours declined by approximately 8.8% in 2020, which translated to a loss of 255 million full-time jobs. This economic downturn increased household tensions and contributed to higher incidences of domestic violence.

Mental Health Challenges: The mental health impact of COVID-19 restrictions has been significant. A study published in The Lancet highlighted that the pandemic led to an estimated 53 million additional cases of major depressive disorder worldwide in 2020. Increased stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate abusive behavior, particularly in households already experiencing tension.

Isolation and Reduced Support: Lockdowns restricted victims’ ability to seek help from friends, family, or support services. Shelters, counseling services, and legal aid centers faced operational challenges due to COVID-19 restrictions, leaving many victims isolated with their abusers. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), disruptions in essential services affected nearly 11 million girls and women globally, limiting access to support mechanisms during the pandemic.

Disrupted Judicial Systems: With courts temporarily closed and case backlogs increasing, victims of domestic violence found it harder to obtain restraining orders or pursue legal action against abusers. Legal advocacy organizations in many countries, including the U.S., U.K., and India, reported delays in court hearings and difficulty obtaining protective orders.

 

Current Trends and Continued Effects of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence

While some pandemic-related restrictions have eased, the impact on domestic violence persists:

Persistent Economic Hardship: Although many economies are recovering, the economic strain continues for many families, especially in lower-income households. Continued financial instability is linked to stress, which can exacerbate domestic violence. According to the World Bank, global poverty rose for the first time in 20 years during the pandemic, pushing nearly 120 million people into extreme poverty in 2020.

Delayed Mental Health Recovery: The lingering mental health impact of the pandemic is evident, with many individuals experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to prolonged isolation and stress. WHO estimates a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression globally during COVID-19, underscoring the ongoing mental health challenges faced by survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse alike.

Increased Vulnerability of Women and Girls: The UN reports that women and girls remain at higher risk of domestic abuse, especially in regions with ongoing economic and social challenges. In some areas, limited access to reproductive health services has compounded vulnerabilities, with UNFPA estimating that COVID-19 disrupted access to such services for nearly 12 million women worldwide.

Challenges in Access to Support Services: Despite eased restrictions, support services have struggled to meet demand due to funding cuts and increased caseloads. Many shelters and organizations report high occupancy rates and limited resources to accommodate all those in need, leaving some victims without essential services.

 

Policy Responses and Intervention Strategies

Governments, NGOs, and support organizations have responded to the rise in domestic violence with a range of policy measures and initiatives:

Increased Funding for Domestic Violence Services: Many countries allocated additional resources to support shelters, helplines, and counseling services. For instance, the European Union set aside €20 million in emergency funding to support victims of domestic abuse during the pandemic.

Virtual Counseling and Support: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, organizations shifted to digital platforms to provide counseling and support services. In the U.S., organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline expanded online chat options to support victims remotely.

Enhanced Legal Protections: Several countries introduced emergency protective orders or fast-tracked court proceedings for domestic violence cases. In Argentina, a decree allowed for automatic restraining orders, and police and legal systems were mobilized to offer immediate responses to victims.

Community Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns aimed at raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding domestic violence were launched in multiple countries. UN Women’s “Shadow Pandemic” campaign highlighted the issue and promoted resources for victims globally.

 

Conclusion

Domestic violence remains an urgent issue in the post-COVID era, with many survivors facing lasting effects of abuse experienced during the pandemic. Addressing this issue requires continued support for victims, effective intervention strategies, and comprehensive policy reform to prevent future cases. Efforts to enhance economic security, provide mental health support, and maintain accessible domestic violence services are essential in curbing the ongoing crisis.

As we move beyond the immediate impacts of COVID-19, recognizing and addressing the enduring effects of the “shadow pandemic” on survivors will be crucial. By investing in policies, resources, and public awareness, societies can work toward reducing domestic violence and ensuring safer environments for all individuals.

 

References

United Nations Women (UN Women). (2020). The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women During COVID-19.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates, 2018-2021: Global, Regional and National Prevalence Estimates for Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and Global and Regional Prevalence Estimates for Non-Partner Sexual Violence Against Women.

International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). ILO Monitor: COVID-19 and the world of work. Seventh edition.

National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice. (2021). Domestic Violence During COVID-19: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2020). Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Planning and Ending Gender-based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, and Child Marriage.