How COVID Led to an Increase in Domestic Violence: Behind Closed Doors
When the world locked down in 2020, it wasn’t just businesses and schools that closed. For many, homes — which should be safe spaces — became cages. If you’ve been wondering how COVID led to an increase in domestic violence, the answer lies in isolation, economic strain, and broken support systems that failed when they were needed most.
What We Mean by ‘Domestic Violence’
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse within intimate or familial relationships. It thrives in secrecy, fear, and power imbalance. The pandemic created the perfect storm: victims were trapped with their abusers, cut off from help, and often silenced.
Why Domestic Violence Increased During COVID
- Forced Isolation: Lockdowns meant abusers had 24/7 control. Victims had fewer chances to reach out.
- Economic Pressure: Job loss, eviction threats, and financial dependence increased tension and made it harder for victims to leave.
- Disrupted Services: Shelters reduced capacity, courts delayed restraining orders, and counseling moved online — inaccessible for many.
- Increased Alcohol Consumption: Substance use rose during lockdown, intensifying abusive behavior.
- No Escape Routes: With schools, workplaces, and community centers shut, people lost key lifelines and safe spaces.
Global Impact: What the Numbers Say
- India: The National Commission for Women reported a doubling of domestic violence complaints in early lockdown months.
- France: Domestic violence reports rose by 30% within a month of the first lockdown.
- Argentina: Shelters were overwhelmed, and emergency lines received thousands of calls per day.
- United States: Police departments across several cities reported spikes in calls related to intimate partner violence.
Real Story: “He Was Always Home”
“Before COVID, my husband was at work 12 hours a day. I could breathe. After lockdown, every step I took was monitored. I couldn’t call my mom. I couldn’t step out. The fear became physical.” — Anonymous, 34, New Jersey
Why Victims Didn’t Leave
- No money: Many lost jobs and became financially dependent.
- Nowhere to go: Shelters were full or closed.
- Children at home: Leaving meant disrupting their already fragile routines.
- COVID fear: Going to a hospital or police station felt risky during a pandemic.
The Role of Technology — Double-Edged Sword
Some victims used chat-based hotlines or WhatsApp for silent help. Others were surveilled via shared devices, making online access dangerous. Tech helped, but it also let abusers control and monitor victims more easily than ever before.
Policy Failures and Lessons Learned
Despite the known risks, domestic violence wasn’t prioritized in early pandemic policies. Lessons learned:
- Hotlines should be considered essential infrastructure
- Teletherapy access must include private, encrypted options
- Emergency housing should expand during crises
- Safe codes (used in pharmacies in France and Spain) must be adopted globally
What Survivors Need Now
- Increased shelter funding and staffing
- Accessible legal aid for protection orders
- Affordable therapy for trauma healing
- Public awareness campaigns to destigmatize reaching out
Want to explore more gender-based health issues? Read Teenage pregnancy issues in India or understand why migraines affect women more.
FAQs: Domestic Violence During COVID
Q: Was the increase in abuse temporary?
No. While lockdowns triggered the rise, many victims remain trapped due to financial and emotional fallout.
Q: What can I do if I suspect someone is being abused?
Reach out privately, offer resources, and don’t push. Let them know you're a safe ally.
Q: Are virtual therapy options safe for victims?
They can be — if done from a secure device and location. Some platforms offer disguised apps for safety.
Final Word
The question of how COVID led to increase in domestic violence doesn’t have a simple answer. It’s layered — tied to systems, silence, and suffering behind locked doors. But it also revealed how communities can do better, faster, and more compassionately.
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