Locked Down with the Perpetrator: The Hidden Impacts of COVID-19 on Domestic and Family Violence in Australia

Abstract

Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, domestic and family violence (DFV) had been recognised globally as an epidemic in its own right. Further, research has established that during times of crisis and/or after disasters, rates of DFV can escalate. The COVID-19 pandemic has been no exception, with emerging research from around the world confirming that the public health measures and social effects associated with COVID-19 have increased the frequency and severity of DFV in various countries. In contributing to this evolving body of literature, this paper reports on the findings of a national research project that examined the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on DFV in Australia. This nationwide survey of service providers indicates the public health responses to COVID-19 such as lockdowns and travel restrictions, while necessary to stem the pandemic, have had profound effects on increasing women’s risk and vulnerability to domestic violence, while at the same time making it more difficult for women to leave violent relationships and access support. However, this vulnerability is not evenly distributed. The pandemic pushed marginalised voices further underground, with many unable to seek help, locked down with their abuser. Our survey sought to amplify the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities; Indigenous communities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, + (LGBTIQ+) communities; women locked down with school-age children; those already in violent relationships; and those whose first experience of domestic violence coincided with the onset of the pandemic. For logistical and ethical reasons, we could only access their voices through the responses from the domestic violence sector.

Implications of Covid-19 Pandemic in the World and the Romanian Society. An Interdisciplinary Approach

“…Women were also exposed during the pandemic to other negative consequences, with studies showing that in any crisis, the incidence of violent behaviour towards women increases. We point out in this regard that New Zealand reported a 53% increase in domestic violence following the 2010-2011 earthquakes, and research following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 led to the conclusion that violence against women increased by 98% during that period (Morley, 2021). In this new social normality, where isolation from the usual social network has become common, the search for adaptive states that provide security has become central.…”

“…In this new social normality, where isolation from the usual social network has become common, the search for adaptive states that provide security has become central. However, the pandemic has left women facing a complexity of problems that have manifested themselves in many forms, including greater financial hardship, insecurity or loss of employment and its associated social network, increased levels of stress, substance use and mental health problems, and not least, increased levels of domestic violence (Morley, 2021).…”

Changes in frequency and form of domestic violence in calls to violence helpline during COVID-19 in Finland.

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns for a successive increase in domestic violence (DV; e.g., Hamadani et al, 2020; Hsu & Henke, 2021; Morley et al, 2021). However, relatively little is known of the frequency, consequences, and changes in types of violence experienced during the pandemic.…”

“…Consequently, the stay-at-home orders to mitigate COVID-19 have increased both risk and vulnerability for DV (e.g., Hsu & Henke, 2021). For example, an Australian survey study by Morley et al (2021) found that 86.5% of DV service providers reported increased complexity in their clients' needs due to the pandemic. These complex interactions contained greater overall job loss-related hardship, increased substance abuse, negative mental health, and more frequent and more severe DV.…”

When More is Less: Emergency Powers, COVID-19 and Abortion in South Australia, 2020

“…In June 2020, when the COVID-19 risk was low in SA, legal academics questioned 'the extent to which all of these measures remain necessary and proportionate to the threat posed by the pandemic in light of their impact on other competing public interests and on individual rights' (University of SA-Justice and Society Unit 2020: 1-2). Submissions revealed unease about the impact of movement restrictions on vulnerable people experiencing poverty, precarious housing or domestic violence (Law Society of South Australia 2020; Morley et al 2021). During the interviews, Tammy, a politician, and Sarah, a legal academic, questioned the capacity of the committee to meaningfully protect human rights.…”