It is a commonly known but dark truth that rates of domestic abuse often rise in times of crisis. This is especially true regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic due to the lockdowns and the need to quarantine. Many victims are finding themselves trapped with their abusers in a high-stress situation.

Many people are also being laid off, making factors that contribute to dangerous living conditions an even larger problem, as reported by Crux. Unemployment, food insecurity, financial instability, confinement, and substance abuse are all issues that increase the risk of domestic abuse, and each of these issues has been exacerbated for many due to the pandemic.

“We’re seeing huge increases in anxiety, uncertainty and feelings of powerlessness,” Catholic clinical psychologist Christauria Welland told Crux. “When those who abuse manage their relationships using a template of power that says, ‘I’m in control of you,” this kind of insecurity makes them feel vulnerable and puts them at risk of becoming violent.”

Domestic Abuse Surge Across the Globe

As the coronavirus spread across the world, it brought in its wake a surge in domestic abuse. According to the Guardian, the Uk’s largest domestic violence charity, Refuge, saw a 700 percent increase in calls from victims to its helpline in a single day after the pandemic reached the country. Their helpline for perpetrators saw a 25 percent increase.

Efforts made by organizations like Refuge have been complicated by the need to social distance, but volunteers are still fighting to reach as many victims as possible. Shelters have called on the government to provide more lodging for victims attempting to escape domestic abuse. Some hotels have offered to take in and feed victims with financial assistance from the governments of France and Italy.

In less developed countries with fewer resources for victims, the situation is even direr. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the United Nations have warned that gendered violence in areas like the Middle East and North Africa, places with the world’s fewest domestic violence laws, is likely to increase resulting in an even greater gender divide and gender inequality.

Meanwhile, countries like Chile and Bolivia have seen a drop in calls to domestic abuse hotlines due to movement restrictions. This means that, while abuse is on the rise, help is even harder to access.

Domestic Abuse and Confinement

Scientists have known for some time that an increase in unemployment and economic turmoil can increase rates of domestic abuse, but the novel coronavirus has shown how dangerous widespread movement restrictions and confinement can be for victims of abuse.

While people around the globe are being told to stay home to keep safe, for many, home is one of the most dangerous places to be. Many victims feel isolated by their abuse, unable to seek help, and actual isolation is only increasing that problem.

“We’re distancing from our normal social supports, and there have been some closures in services such as drop-in places and therapy groups,” Welland told Crux. “Some abusers will engage in even more controlling behavior, going through emails, texts, phones and social media accounts.”

Increased watchfulness on the part of the abuser can make it nearly impossible for some victims to seek help. Because of this, countries like Italy have implemented a code-word system in which a victim can go to a pharmacy and request a “Mascarilla-19”, mask-19, to let staff known to notify the police of a domestic abuse situation.

However, as of yet, the U.S. has no such system. For those in dangerous situations, Welland recommends establishing a safe-word system with loved-ones so that you can call for help without putting yourself in danger. She also recommends staying away from places like kitchens and bathrooms if the tension escalates. These areas have potential weapons and fixtures that can result in serious harm or head injuries.

Persons in immediate danger are encouraged to call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at (800) 799-7233.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.