5 reasons why domestic violence has increased in the Corona era

5 reasons why domestic violence has increased in the Corona era

Dec 18, 2024Ehotyshamull Joy

Another tragedy of Corona is domestic violenceThis is because the number of domestic violence cases is increasing as people spend more time at homeIt's time to keep social distancing during the corona crisis and be careful about the people around you. 

 

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), "domestic violence against women has been on the rise during the pandemic." This phenomenon was also seen during the Ebola epidemic in 2014~2016 and the Zika epidemic in 2015~2016, and it is the same during the current Corona crisis.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) predicts that domestic violence will increase by 20% globally during the pandemic, with at least 15 million additional cases of domestic violence.

 

In fact, on the 10th, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that "since the Hong Kong government imposed social distancing in late January, there has been a flood of calls to groups related to domestic violence-related domestic disputes seeking help."

According to CNN on the 24th, "The London Metropolitan Police has arrested more than 4,000 people on suspicion of domestic violence since the end of March, when restrictions were imposed."

 

In Korea, domestic violence and sexual violence against women in the Gyeongnam region also increased compared to last year. During January~April, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, domestic violence arrests increased by 13.1% and sexual violence increased by 6% compared to last year.
 

 


Psychology Today, an American psychology publication, revealed on the 9th that domestic violence has increased during the pandemic and revealed five reasons for this. Why?

 

First, quarantine

Workplaces were closed, and social isolation was encouraged, with people not encouraged to meet friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, "social isolation" is one of the most common tactics used by perpetrators of domestic violence against their victims. This is because by isolating the victim from friends, family, and external contacts, the perpetrator can control the victim's entire environment. This is because severe and persistent isolation can create a psychological situation in which the victim relies solely on the perpetrator and it is very difficult for them to escape.

  

Secondstress

Natural disasters and disasters catastrophe catalyze an enormous stress response, which is often associated with an increase in domestic violence. A study of past Hurricane Harvey interpersonal violence found that increased disaster-related stress was associated with an increase in domestic violence both during and after the hurricane.In addition, during the 1989 Alaskan oil spill, high disaster-related stress nearly tripled domestic violence.

 

Corona has more stressors. In many ways, disease outbreaks can be more stressful than other disasters. This is because viral infections can lead to constant anxiety and an excess of the stress hormone cortisol. The rise of stress hormones increases aggression.

  

 

Third, economic instability and unemployment

One of the main stressors that cause domestic violence is economic insecurity. Many domestic violence studies have shown that domestic violence is more severe in economically challenged families. A qualitative study that interviewed 33 men who attended a domestic violence program found that threats to men's identity, such as unemployment, had a significant impact on the incidence of domestic violence.

 

For example, a study by the University of Kentucky found that the 2008 recession correlated an increase in unemployment with a rise in domestic violence. At the time, there was unprecedented unemployment at a level similar to today's Covid.


 

Fourthalcohol (alcohol)

In Russia, domestic violence has increased due to the increase in alcohol consumption in the aftermath of the pandemic. This is because frequent drinking at home during a stay-at-home period increases the risk of alcoholism and can lead to domestic violence.

 

During the social isolation period, alcohol sales soared, with sales up 243% in some areas. In disaster situations, alcohol consumption tends to increase rapidly. But in a relationship already damaged by violence and abuse, alcohol adds fuel to the fire when combined with isolation and stress.

 

Fifth, lack of support

Finally, a lack of support can lead to an increase in domestic violence. This is because legal services and legal aid for victims may be delayed. Even if shelters are open for domestic violence, people may be reluctant to evacuate to shelters during the pandemic.

 


The causes of domestic violence, such as alcohol, unemployment, and stress, are interrelated.


Lim Jae-young, a psychiatrist at Neutinamu Clinic, said, "Being involuntarily confined due to Corona is a stressful situation." He also said, "Due to the nature of family relationships, it is easy to be hurt and hurt as much as they are close, and the wound is more likely to be touched than any other wound," adding, "I think that the coronavirus did not create domestic violence in a harmonious family that was doing well, but that the corona crisis ignited the fire in a situation where there was already a certain amount of discord."

In addition, he said, "Just as self-isolation means don't disturb those around you, it can be applied equally to domestic violence," and rebuked people who are at risk of harming family members, so if you are at risk of harming them, go into a room and stay alone. Victims of domestic violence are advised to seek counseling so that they can be comforted and healed, as they may have been injured not only physically but also mentally just by the fact that they have already been beaten.

Today, the outbreak of Corona is not only threatening the lives of individuals, but also creating a great storm of "domestic violence". The distance between family members, which has become inversely proportional to social distancing, has inadvertently led to the issue of domestic violence. As families spend more time together, they may not be able to report violence or abuse. It's time for the close attention of the surrounding neighbors.

 

 

 



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