COVID-19: Could there be a rise in domestic abuse incidents?

Social distancing, self isolating, remote working? It all means one thing - spending more time at home. For many, this will mean more family time, however for some, there is an increased risk of being trapped indoors with an abuser.

Whilst remaining indoors follows protocol and advice provided by the World Health Organisation, people in vulnerable situations need to be considered. 

Reports in China suggest that since entering lockdown, there was a spike in reported incidents of domestic abuse. It is feared that as the UK’s prevention measures tighten and self isolation increases, incidents of domestic abuse will significantly rise here too.  

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. In the majority of cases, this is by a partner or ex-partner but a family member or a carer can also be the perpetrator. Domestic abuse can encompass but is not limited to:

  • Psychological abuse 
  • Physical abuse 
  • Sexual abuse 
  • Financial abuse 
  • Emotional abuse 

How will COVID-19 have an impact?

Rising tensions

Over the coming weeks, many households around the UK could begin to feel like a pressure cooker as tensions rise due to government enforcement and restrictions on staying at home. 

We have already seen the closure of all pubs, bars, restaurants and shops as well as the cancellation of all sporting events, which will no doubt result in many abusers having no choice but to spend more time in the household. 

In addition, although the government has introduced schemes and aid with the aim of preventing job losses, these closures and cancellations will certainly leave many people without work for the time being. Whilst no one is certain on how long this will last, unemployment for the unforeseeable future and the strain this will have on finances will most definitely be another factor adding to mounting tensions in households across the country. 

These tensions