Domestic violence against women during COVID-19 pandemic. Support options

Abstract

Domestic violence is a common phenomenon all over the world and in every environment, regardless of the level of education, material conditions, place of residence, race, or even religion. Historically viewed as a private issue, domestic violence is now recognized as a gender-based crime and is a significant public health problem affecting the well-being of victims, their families and communities. Numerous evidence shows that domestic and sexual violence escalate in times of disasters and pandemics. One of the main reasons for the escalation of domestic violence during the period of anomie is social isolation, economic instability, loss of income and related stress, as well as chaos and change of legislation, including the introduction of introduction of restrictions. Such periods of forced intimacy between partners extend the time they spend together and make it more difficult for victims of domestic violence to “escape” from home. The aim of the article is to present both the scale of the phenomenon of violence in a global perspective and the actions taken in selected countries, including Poland and Ukraine, for the victims of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research focuses on the following questions: What is the scale of the phenomenon of violence during a pandemic? What measures have countries taken to support victims of violence? The article is based on the monographic method, an analysis of available scientific sources (published in English, Polish and Ukrainian) describing the diagnosed phenomenon. The article may contribute to further research and reflection on this issue, especially in the current political situation in the world (war in Ukraine), which is conducive to aggressive behaviour.