COVID-19: urgency for distancing from domestic violence

Ertan, Deniz; El-Hage, Wissam; Thierrée, Sarah; Javelot, Hervé; Hingray, Coraline

BACKGROUND: Although COVID-19 is a major worldwide health threat, there is another global public health emergency that is becoming a growing challenge. Domestic violence is a public health and human rights issue that primarily affects women and children worldwide. Several countries have reported a significant increase in domestic violence cases since the COVID-19-induced lockdowns and physical distancing measures were implemented. The COVID-19 health crisis is exacerbating another pre-existing public health problem by increasing the severity and frequency of domestic violence, thus demonstrating the need to adopt significant and long-term measures. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, it is urgently necessary to promote and increase actions and policies to guarantee the safety and dignity of all victims of domestic violence worldwide. METHODS: This paper describes preventive measures and action plans to combat violence against women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The prevention of domestic violence must indeed be every government’s priority and every citizen’s responsibility.