The Other Victims of COVID-19
Last week, I sat next to my sister who was rapidly typing away at her laptop in our shared bedroom. As a volunteer for a crisis text help line, she was in the middle of a busy shift, one of many since our lockdown began here in California. With the COVID-19 pandemic bringing new challenges to house-bound individuals, remote counseling services such as this crisis text help line are more essential than ever. My sister explained that people have sought support for a variety of reasons, from lost jobs to struggles with staying sober. I was particularly struck when she commented that a large number of people she has counseled are facing abuse from family members, confined together, with no simple or safe means of escape.
Looking into this further, I found that my sister’s experience reflects a harsh reality of the COVID-19 epidemic: an uptick in domestic violence. Recently, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for countries to address the “horrifying global surge in domestic violence” directed towards women and girls. Domestic violence rates have risen by 30% during the lockdown in France, and online searches for domestic violence help rose by 75% in Australia in late March. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has reported a growing number of calls from victims whose abusers have used COVID-19 to isolate them from friends and family. Given that domestic violence is a crime that particularly affects women, children, LGBTQ populations, disabled individuals, and minorities, the current rise in domestic violence compounds a public health crisis that already affects society’s most vulnerable.
As horrifying as this situation is, it was not unpredictable. Research has shown an increase in gender-based violence during times of crisis in the past, such as The Great Recession of 2007–09 and Hurricane Katrina. Increased stress and frustration, along with more frequent arguments that occur when people are trapped in close proximity, may be once again fueling abusive behavior. Due to physical distancing needed to slow the spread of disease, victims of intimate partner violence may be increasingly isolated and unable to reach out to family and friends for support. Those seeking to escape abuse may have few options because of overcrowded shelters, restricted medical assistance, and limited legal aid. In addition, the current economic crisis and potentially extensive recession to follow may make financially dependent victims reluctant to leave abusive relationships and lead to budget cuts to social services that help such victims.
Aside from devastating effects on mental health, being trapped with an abuser can have irrevocable consequences on victims’ physical health. The CDC estimates that 41% of female intimate partner violence survivors sustain physical injuries. Violence against women is also linked to health problems, ranging from chronic pain and asthma to heart problems and stomach ulcers. Female survivors of intimate partner violence experience an increased risk for traumatic brain injury, with reported rates ranging between 35% and 80%. Resorting to unhealthy coping habits under lockdown conditions, such as drinking and smoking, may worsen the health consequences of abuse in the midst of this pandemic.
While this situation may seem bleak, there is still hope for victims of abuse in these times. Many domestic violence organizations and psychologists have shifted their support services online, and emergency efforts like converting vacant hotel rooms into shelters and a code system to alert the police of abuse are already underway in countries like France and Spain. I have faith that we will follow suit and help abuse victims find safety during this acute emergency and the slow recovery to follow. In our own lives, we can keep reaching out to friends and family, especially those we know are most vulnerable. While we may be physically isolated, no one has to suffer alone.
If you or your loved ones are suffering domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline via text or call at 1–800–799–7233.
