Home is not always a haven: The domestic violence crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the associated disease it causes, COVID-19, have caused unprecedented social disruption. Due to sweeping stay-at-home orders across the United States and internationally, many victims and survivors of domestic violence (DV), now forced to be isolated with their abusers, run the risk of new or escalating violence. Numerous advocates, organizations, and service centers anticipated this: Upticks in domestic violence were reported in many regions soon after stay-at-home directives were announced. In this commentary, we delineate some of the recent events leading up to the reported spike in DV; review literature on previously documented disaster-related DV surges; and discuss some of the unique challenges, dilemmas, and risks victims and survivors face during this pandemic. We conclude with recommendations to allocate resources to DV front-liners and utilize existing DV guidelines for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Violence against women during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An integrative review

“…Collaborative and integrated work between organizations for the collection of data, indicator selection, impact assessment, and the design of actions against violence are also highlighted 10,12,22,38,44 . The multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach is presented as key in the analyzed articles 18,20,24,33,35,44 . In addition, many formulate questions regarding the role of local and national governments 9,11,21,27,45 …”

“…The integration of a gender perspective in statistics, impact assessments, and actions in crises are recommended, 9,27,29,30 as well as maintaining and ensuring access to services focused on women’s sexual and reproductive health 30,33,34 . The long‐term nature of the impact of the pandemic highlights the importance of implementing actions to prevent and confront domestic and family violence against women 8,21,24,41 …”

Family violence against children in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic: a review of current perspectives and risk factors

“…It is also vital to identify high-risk contexts in order to avoid the occurrence of long-term new acts of violence [68]. Although an initial rise in family violence is generally observed during the acute phase of a crisis, the fact we need to keep in mind is that these surges are often sustained for years during the recovery period and require a prevention strategy that offers long-term solutions [69]. The potential consequences of increased child maltreatment should be considered in future cost-benefit calculations of lockdown measures.…”

Tragedies waiting to happen? unravelling potential psychiatric repercussions during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Lockdown, domestic violence, mental illness and COVID-19: Reaching out to those in need (15) Domestic violence is a largely hidden epidemic -and never more so than in this current state of mandatory seclusion (16). Addressing domestic violence is a global public health priority, given the prevalence of domestic violence and the associated psychological and physical morbidity and mortality (17).…”