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Abstract: 

Governments worldwide have imposed lockdowns to contain the coronavirus, but those same restrictions have increased the risks associated with domestic violence, especially for women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Around the globe, governments have implored residents to stay home to protect themselves and others from the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19. But for domestic violence victims—the vast majority of whom are women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals—home is a dangerous place. This article briefly examines whether and how lockdowns have influenced rates of domestic violence, the pandemic’s impact on access to social services for victims, and strategies countries can adopt to protect those most at risk of domestic violence.

Keywords: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Domestic Violence Rates and Interventions

Affiliations:  1: University of Miami School of Law; 2: Council on Foreign Relations.