Physical and verbal abuse amid COVID-19: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Japan

Abstract

ObjectivesThe detrimental impacts of abuse on victims’ well-being are well documented globally, including Japan. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may increase the incidence of abuse in the community, creating an additional burden amid the crisis. However, the incidence of abuse in Japan during COVID-19 remains to be evaluated. Accordingly, our study aimed to assess the incidence of physical and verbal abuse among the general population in Japan and to identify the associated factors of abuse during COVID-19.Design and settingWe used the data obtained from a nationwide, cross-sectional internet survey conducted in Japan between August and September 2020. Sampling weights were used to calculate national estimates, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the associated factors for physical and verbal abuse.ResultsOut of the total 25 482 participants, 965 (3.8 %) reported experiencing physical abuse and 1941 (7.6%) verbal abuse from April 2020 to September 2020. The incidence of physical and verbal abuse was higher among female participants. Participants who lived in areas where the ‘state of emergency’ was enforced were more likely to suffer from physical abuse. Similarly, vulnerable participants such as those below age 18, with low income, bad family relationships, and disabled people were more likely to experience both physical and verbal abuse. Participants suffering from COVID-19-related symptoms, who had poor health status and widows/divorcees were more likely to be verbally abused. Furthermore, those who did not follow preventive behaviours such as wearing masks in public places, abusing drugs and drinking alcohol in high amounts were also more likely to experience abuse.ConclusionThe impact of abuse was found disproportionately greater in more vulnerable groups of the population. Pandemic has reinforced the existing social inequalities, which need to be addressed timely to prevent precarious repercussions.

Self-Compassion during COVID-19 in Non-WEIRD Countries: A Narrative Review

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Perception towards vaccine effectiveness in controlling COVID-19 spread in rural and urban communities: A global survey

“…The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected the worldwide (1)(2)(3). Although vaccines may not fully protect from the COVID-19, it is one of the most important public health interventions as the full range of vaccination among community people can help protect from transmission of infection from the infected to the uninfected and control potential death (4-9).…”

Comparison of Help-Seeking Consultations for Domestic Violence Before vs During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

“…2,5 Previous studies note that COVID-19 restrictions have cultivated an environment in which perpetrators of DV exhibit tendencies of dominant control. 1,5 Bhandari et al 3 recently reported that physical abuse was associated with the state-of-emergency declaration in Japan. They further observed that the incidence of physical abuse was notably higher among female individuals, similar to observations in this study.…”

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“…2 These living conditions affect households with potentially abusive individuals, with survivors of DV bearing most of the physical and mental health burden. 3 We compared rates of incident DV inquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic with years before onset in Japan.…”