Behind Closed Doors: The Shadow Pandemic of Domestic Violence during Covid-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a tremendous influence on every aspect of human life, and lockdowns were instituted to stop its spread. However, these restrictions had significant consequences, causing immense distress, widespread job crises, unemployment, and a global recession. For women, adhering to lockdown procedures meant facing distinct challenges, one of them was the worrying increase in violence based on gender. This article investigates the factors that led to an increase in domestic violence incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effects of pandemic were far-reaching for women, leading to job losses, unemployment, dwindling savings, and the heart-wrenching experience of witnessing loved ones and friends battling life-threatening illnesses. Consequently, they suffered both financial and personal losses, all while shouldering an increased burden of household responsibilities. Moreover, the looming threat of domestic violence posed a double-edged sword. According to a policy brief published by the UN, there was a staggering 25% surge in violence against women during this time. Accessing essential legal, public, and health services became complicated and challenging due to the pandemic’s disruptions. Women found themselves trapped with their abusers, as managing the pandemic and responding to emergencies left them overwhelmed and without avenues for escape. This paper endeavours to offer recommendations and suggestions in order to address the issue of domestic violence to deal with the problem of domestic violence in society while empowering victims with knowledge of their rights. The goal is to confront this pressing concern and create a safer environment for women amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.