Citation

Ertan D, El-Hage W, Thierrée S, Javelot H, Hingray C. Eur. J. Psychotraumatol. 2020; 11(1): e1800245.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, The Author(s), Publisher Co-action Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/20008198.2020.1800245

PMID

33110483 PMCID

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 is a major worldwide health threat, there is another global public health emergency that is becoming a growing challenge. Domestic violence is a public health and human rights issue that primarily affects women and children worldwide. Several countries have reported a significant increase in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19-induced lockdowns and physical distancing measures were implemented. The COVID-19 health crisis is exacerbating another pre-existing public health problem by increasing the severity and frequency of domestic violence, thus demonstrating the need to adopt significant and long-term measures.

Objective: Therefore, it is urgently necessary to promote and increase actions and policies to guarantee the safety and dignity of all victims of domestic violence worldwide.

Methods: This paper describes preventive measures and action plans to combat violence against women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: The prevention of domestic violence must indeed be every government's priority and every citizen's responsibility.

Language: en

Keywords

violence; prevention; trauma; domestic violence; COVID-19