Stay Home or Stay Safe? The Pandemic Paradox
The United Nations Family Planning Association (UNFPA) warns that, “Pandemics compound existing gender inequalities and vulnerabilities, increasing risks of abuse.” They have estimated that gender-based violence (GBV) increased by 20% globally in the first three months of the pandemic. This translates into an additional 31 million cases in the first six months. We can expect to see an additional 14 million cases every three months as long as the pandemic continues.
Other research has shown that sexual violence such as workplace sexual harassment, street harassment and rape outside the home has decreased because women are not leaving their homes as frequently. The large increases in GBV are therefore primarily attributed to increases in domestic violence (DV). The escalation is serious enough for UN Women to call the increase in DV the “the shadow pandemic”.
In Canada, reported numbers are consistent with global figures. Some regions are seeing a 20-30% increase in reporting, with crisis calls up by as much as 400% in some areas. In April and May media outlets have reported on eleven domestic homicides. There may be more as the relationship between victim and perpetrator is not always identified in initial media reports.
Researchers and advocates predicted the rise in DV we are seeing as a result of multiple new stresses and risk factors that the pandemic has brought about, including physical and psychological health risks, isolation and loneliness, an increase in alcohol consumption, the closure of many schools and businesses, economic vulnerability and job losses.
Home isolation is giving even more power to abusers. Common tactics of abuse include isolation from friends, family and employment; constant surveillance; strict, detailed rules for behavior; and restrictions on access to such basic necessities as food, clothing and sanitary amenities. The frequency and severity of physical abuse is also on the rise. A new study conducted at a large hospital in Boston reported a near-doubling of the proportion of domestic abuse cases that resulted in physical injury compared with previous years. The injuries were also dramatically more severe.
Isolation has shattered support networks, making it far more difficult for victims to escape temporarily or permanently or to get help from family, friends, professionals or possibly even from their workplaces. Public health measures, essential for protecting individuals and health systems are being weaponized by abusive partners and putting women and children at greater risk. Some researchers are referring to this as ‘the pandemic paradox’.
All of this was captured in a StatsCan survey released in early April where 1 in 10 women reported they were very or extremely concerned about the possibility of violence due to the stress of confinement.
What we know now through media reports and emerging research may only be the tip of the iceberg. Many survivors, under constant surveillance from their abusers, may still be unable to reach out for help.
The numbers, and the stories of those who have managed to escape to safety make one thing clear; we must ensure that shelters, crisis lines and counselling services, including remote counselling services are available and easily accessible to manage and attempt to prevent crisis situations.