A comprehensive systematic review published in BMJ Global Health found that violence against women and girls tends to increase during infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The analysis of 53 studies tracking violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that the majority found increases, with some studies showing no change and relatively few showing declines. This pattern held across different types of violence—physical, sexual, psychological, and online—particularly within the home.
Five Key Pathways to Increased Violence
The research identified five mechanisms linking outbreaks to violence against women and girls. First, job loss, reduced income, and financial stress were the most consistently identified contributors, as economic strain increases household tensions. Second, movement restrictions like lockdowns can trap women and girls with abusive partners or family members, isolating them from social networks and support. Third, deeming certain services nonessential reduces access to health, social, and legal support, while school closures increase exploitation and early marriage risks. Fourth, perpetrators may use women’s and girls’ fear of infection to control or manipulate them, discouraging them from leaving homes or seeking care. Fifth, past experiences with health systems can discourage survivors from seeking help, particularly in settings affected by earlier outbreaks like the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Research Limitations and Recommendations
The study uncovered important limitations: most research focused on adult women rather than girls, and many studies relied on potentially misleading metrics such as hotline calls or clinic visits, which can decline due to reduced access rather than reduced violence. The authors recommend protecting women and girls through targeted strategies: reducing household financial stress, making services safe and accessible, ensuring girls’ continued school access, and building stronger community support. The research was co-authored with UNICEF and published in BMJ Global Health.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.arcamax.com/healthtips/s-4089766