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Abstract
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The measures taken over the last two months to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have suddenly changed daily human functioning. Social distancing, self-isolation, loss of freedom, uncertainty, school and business closings, economic vulnerability and job loss have been some results of the lockdown.1-3 It is recognized that large-scale disasters, whether traumatic (mass shootings), natural (hurricanes), or environmental (ocean oil spills), are often associated with higher levels of mental disorders (such as depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder), domestic violence, and child abuse.2
People worldwide have been told by authorities to stay home to reduce the transmission of coronavirus, and social isolation and domestic quarantine can deepen relationships between family members, intensifying intimacy, affective exchanges, personal ties and previous behaviors, thus becoming a period of emotional growth for all involved. On the other hand, it is well-known that most violence against women is perpetrated by family members, and in times of crisis and during epidemics, the number of cases tends to increase. In domestic spaces where this "invisible monster" lives, a range of violations can occur, including intimate partner violence and domestic homicide. Thus, the quarantine forces vulnerable people to share space with their aggressors, which is cause for social alert. The distorted dynamics of power in the homes of abusive or controlling individuals can easily intensify during this crisis, since the abuser has more freedom to act, while the victim's movement is restricted, and continued exposure limits the victim's capacity to cope or seek help.
There are also fewer police interventions and less access to the justice system during quarantine, which makes reporting more difficult and contributes to impunity. The situational stress, threat of unemployment, reduced income, perpetrator-imposed restrictions (such as continuous control of social media, Internet access, and mobile phones), as well as substance abuse (especially alcohol), limited resources and less social support for victims could all contribute to an increased risk of domestic violence and femicide.1,4-6
Scientific studies and the news media have reported that domestic violence is a real risk in this new context, especially for wives, mothers, children, pets and older adults.1,4,5 On March 28, 2020 an article in The Guardian claimed that domestic violence cases had increased 40% to 50% in Brazil. Police reports and helpline calls due to domestic violence have increased in Argentina, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the USA.1,4-6
The mass release of prisoners to reduce the risk of transmission is another worry. If such were to happen, the risk for victims and households would increase, given that violent offenders, including domestic violence perpetrators, would be among the released.6
Domestic violence is a serious social and medico-legal issue that could worsen with alcohol or drug use...
Language: en |