The Invisible Pandemic: The Effect of COVID-19 on Abuse

by- Amanda Hildreth 

Domestic Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a global health issue. It takes many different forms and affects the whole family, not just the Victim. Abuse, including Child Abuse and Neglect, can also exist in several forms, including Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Abuse. Around 1 billion children and young adults experience various forms of  abuse each year (Hills et al., 2016).

There is also evidence to suggest that Child Abuse and Domestic Abuse may correlate (McKay, 1994). Several factors can put someone at risk for both Child and Domestic Abuse, including drug or alcohol abuse within the family, mental health problems, economic issues, and parenting stress (Jaudes et al., 1995).

In 2020 with worldwide mandatory lockdowns, the general population faced months of restrictions, including school closures and mandatory work from home. Non-essential businesses closed and many people faced unemployment. The continuing pandemic has created a large impact on daily life through these economic and social stressors on families (Douglas et al., 2020). 

As the pandemic continues, safety requires Americans to stay at home to protect themselves. However, not all homes are safe. These stressful conditions can worsen situations in homes where abuse was already a problem. They may increase household violence, and may even create violence in families where it didn’t exist prior to the pandemic. Further, COVID-19 has disconnected people in need from community resources and support.

The Cost of Domestic Violence To Society

Violence in home settings greatly affects society as a whole. Domestic Violence leads to adverse mental health outcomes, an increased risk of chronic disease, substance use, PTSD, stress, and risky sexual behavior (NCIPC, CDC, 2016). 

Victims of Domestic Violence, including Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse, are at an increased risk for injuries or death. According to the CDC, one in four women and one in ten men have experienced Sexual, Physical, Intimate Partner Violence, or stalking by an intimate partner within their lifetime (2019). Over 43 million women and 38 million men experience aggression by their partner within their lifetime (Smith, et al., 2018).

Among the survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, 41 percent of women and 14 percent of men have experienced some form of injury related to the violence. Data from crime reports shows that one in six homicide Victims are killed by their intimate partners (Breiding et al., 2014).

Child Abuse and Its Effect on Society

The CDC states that one in seven children have experienced abuse or neglect in the past year. In 2018, 1,770 children died of abuse or neglect in the US. In the United States, the lifetime economic effect of Child Abuse and Neglect was $428 billion as of 2015 (Peterson et al., 2015). In addition, when untreated, Child Abuse or Neglect can cause a great impact on the child’s lifelong health, such as increased risk of injury, violence perpetration or victimization, substance abuse, delayed development, lower educational attainment, and fewer employment opportunities (Fortson, et al., 2016).

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Child Abuse

Children have been more vulnerable to abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research shows that increased stress levels in parents is a major factor of Physical Abuse and Neglect. Stressed parents may respond to a child’s behaviors in aggressive or abusive ways. In addition, support systems that parents rely on, such as child care, schools, extended family, and other community services aren’t available in areas with stay at home orders. 

Child Protective Services is dealing with strained resources with fewer workers, making them unable to conduct home visits in areas experiencing stay at home orders. With children not going to school, teachers have also been unable to witness and report signs of abuse (APA, 2020).

How COVID-19 Has Impacted Domestic Violence

In some areas since COVID-19 hit, reports of Domestic Violence have decreased. However, there are several reasons why this isn’t an accurate representation of the rate of Domestic Violence. With COVID-19 isolation, Victims are trapped inside their homes with their abusers, without an escape opportunity or a way to contact help. The same is true of children who are Victims of violence because they cannot report the abuse to a teacher or another trusted adult. Research suggests that families being in close contact for long periods reduced the amount of safe time and increased the chance of violence (Uken, 2020).

According to recent research, Domestic Violence cases have clearly increased during COVID-19 globally. Domestic Violence incidents in Brazil have risen by 40 to 50 percent and Domestic Violence calls in the UK have increased by 25 percent (BBC, 2020).

The effects of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence in the United States are similar. Studies have shown that some states have experienced increased instances of Domestic Violence (Portland Police Bureau, 2022). For example, Portland, Oregon, has seen a 22 percent increase in Domestic Violence arrests, and Jefferson County, Alabama, had a 27 percent increase in calls relating to Domestic Violence in 2020 compared to the previous year (Jeff Co Sheriff, 2022). The changes in responsibilities during the pandemic have also given additional opportunities for abusers to harass Victims. 

Strategies To Reduce The Negative Effects of Covid-19 on Domestic Violence

Pandemic preparedness strategies must include building violence-related first-response systems. These strategies reinforce social safety nets that offer temporary housing or shelter, provide temporary support networks, and integrate Domestic Violence into healthcare response systems to prevent abuse during pandemics (Peterman et al., 2020).

Improve Reporting of Domestic Violence

Previous research shows that when compared to other forms of violence, Domestic Violence is more likely to be reported by Victims (Campbell et al., 2017). However, during Covid-19, Victims were less able to report violence because of lockdown requirements. The role of neighbors, community members, and other bystanders in reporting abuse became crucial. To combat this issue, training these groups about Domestic Violence is vital (Katz and Moore, 2013). Educating these groups to help Victims can lead to higher reporting rates.

Speed Is Crucial

The speed at which law enforcement takes action against the abuser is crucial in reporting an incident. Although suspect identification is more likely when the suspect and Victim are closely related, arrests are more likely when they are strangers (Tasca et al., 2013). 

Paperwork may slow the process. Often, Victims don’t come forward due to the extensive paperwork required to report violence. Flexibility in providing the information necessary to report violence will reduce wait times for reporting to make it easier for Victims.

The prior criminal history of the Victim, like cases involving abuse of drugs, can also commonly delay arrests. This is especially a problem during Covid-19, because delays often lead to the Victim and abuser sharing space.

It’s also key to communicate to the population how quickly or slowly an arrest will occur for the crime. This will encourage Victims and bystanders to report violence as soon as possible. Some Victims may not choose to take legal action for several reasons, including loss of status, embarrassment, fear, retaliation, or the Victim’s own criminal past (Felson et al., 2002; Rodriguez et al., 2001). In these cases, self-help groups and other support groups can reduce the effects of violence.

Abuse of Vulnerable Populations

Identifying whether vulnerable populations are experiencing a higher amount of violence requires strategy. Populations who are especially vulnerable to abuse during COVID-19 are those with a high risk of severe illness, older adults, immunocompromised adults, and those with pre-diagnosed conditions, like asthma or HIV (CDC, 2019). One community that is especially vulnerable is the migrant community (Choi and Byoun, 2014). Due to lockdown measures, migrants aren’t always able to return to their native homes. Because COVID-19 has limited job opportunities, migrants are more likely to face abuse, stigma, and cultural discrimination.

Due to all these factors, vulnerable populations need special treatment and recognition. Anti-oppressive measures, such as educating vulnerable populations about the resources to live safely away from violence, would also help (Dominelli & Campling, 2002).

Digital Monitoring

The majority of countries have used digital monitoring of citizens who were exposed or asymptomatic carriers during COVID-19 (IANS, 2020). These apps can be used to track potential suspects and can be activated with a SOS system to allow Victims to report violence (Emezue, 2020). In addition to monitoring, keeping digital Domestic Violence hotlines open 24/7 will have long-term positive effects.

Increasing Victim Well-Being

One of the most protective factors against Domestic Violence is economic health. Research suggests that creating patterns of hope, optimism, self efficacy, and resilience are vital for positive well-being (Luthanas et al., 2006). Instead of a reactive approach after violence has already happened, such proactive approaches to prevent Domestic Violence during the pandemic can reduce this social and economic crisis. 

If you have been or are currently in an abusive situation or know of someone that is, ARO is here to support you in your personal healing journey to complete well-being. We bring awareness and education to 13 different types of abuse including Narcissistic, Sexual, Physical, Psychological, Financial, Child, Self, Cyberbullying, Bullying, Spousal, Elder, Isolation, and Workplace, and help others heal and find peace. Please support our efforts by going to GoARO.org to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community.

References

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