Violence against women remains a major global concern, with one in three women having experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence that women encounter.
Historically, there has been a spike in violence against women during emergency situations, including epidemics. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns are no exception to this. There have been reports from China, UK, US and other countries suggesting an increase in the incidence of domestic violence since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Why does violence increase?
Factors which worsen the risk of violence against women include higher stress levels, disruption of social and protective networks and reduced access to services. With lockdowns being enforced in several countries, people are encouraged or sometimes forced to stay at home, increasing the risk of intimate partner violence. Women in abusive relationships are at risk as a result of more time spent in close contact with their perpetrating partners during lockdowns.
During this time, women may have limited contact with family and friends who can provide support and protection from violence. They may also have to deal with a greater responsibility of household chores and childcare during the pandemic. Disruption of livelihood and the ability to earn a living for both perpetrators and victims could trigger conflicts and violence. Women are also at risk of facing economic abuse.
How perpetrators exploit the situation
Perpetrators may take advantage of the lockdown restrictions to exercise power and control over their partners. They may cut their partners' access to services, including medical, reproductive, law enforcement, legal and psychosocial support. Women may be denied access to essential items such as soap and hand sanitizer. Furthermore, perpetrators may even spread misinformation about the disease and stigmatize their partners.
Violence against female health workers
Many of the women in health worker roles may be at risk of violence in their homes or in the workplace. Front-line workers dealing with COVID-19 could experience stigmatization, isolation and social ostracism. Those in charge of the health care facilities must have plans to ensure the safety of their health workers. Measures such as psychosocial support, non-performance-based incentives, additional transport allowance and childcare support are warranted to support women workers.
Combating the issue
Governments and policymakers, health systems, humanitarian response organizations, community members and women experiencing violence themselves have a key role to play in battling this issue. The COVID-19 pandemic may have burdened the health systems, but they still need to take the onus of ensuring that services for victims of violence remain accessible during this time. The stakeholders involved in the COVID-19 response must raise awareness about the potential effect of physical distancing, staying at home and other measures on women subjected to violence.
