Domestic Violence and COVID-19: The 2020 Lockdown in the European Union

The volume provides an overview of the impact of the Covid-19 measures on DV in eight European Member States during the first lock-down, based on reliable data and expert interviews. It assesses the assumptions of an imminent wave of domestic violence and highlights best practices to prevent conditions that undermine victims' security and frontline responders' capacities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive report examines the impact of COVID-19 measures on domestic violence (DV) in eight European Member States during the initial lock-down period. It provides a timely analysis of an ongoing situation, further complicated by renewed lockdown restrictions during autumn and early winter 2020. The report assesses the assumptions of an imminent wave of domestic violence against reliable data from crime statistics, surveys, and various institutions responding to domestic violence. By collecting partner country reports from Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Scotland, and Slovenia, the report demonstrates the effects that lockdown measures initiated in March 2020 had on reported DV incidents. It explores the differences between these countries in terms of policing, legal systems, social and cultural factors, and highlights best practices to prevent conditions resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown from undermining victims' security and the capacities of frontline responders to provide services and prevent domestic violence.

The report begins by providing an overview of the context and background of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its potential to exacerbate existing risks and vulnerabilities for victims of DV. It highlights the importance of timely and effective responses to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The next section examines the available data on the impact of COVID-19 measures on DV in the eight European Member States. It includes information from crime statistics, surveys, and institutions that respond to domestic violence. The data is analyzed to assess the assumptions of an imminent wave of domestic violence and to identify any patterns or trends that may emerge.

The report then considers the differences between each country with respect to policing, legal systems, social and cultural factors, and their impact on the response to DV during the lockdown period. It highlights best practices to prevent conditions resulting from the lockdown undermining victims' security and the capacities of frontline responders to provide services and prevent domestic violence.

One of the key findings of the report is that the lockdown measures had a significant impact on reported DV incidents in all eight countries. However, the effects were not uniform across all regions or populations. For example, the report found that lockdown measures were associated with a decrease in reported DV incidents in some countries, while they increased in others.

The differences between countries in terms of policing, legal systems, social and cultural factors, and their response to DV during the lockdown period are also explored. The report highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to the specific needs and contexts of each country to ensure effective and sustainable responses.

The report also provides recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and to prevent domestic violence. These recommendations include strengthening the coordination and collaboration between different agencies and stakeholders, providing adequate support and resources to frontline responders, and promoting awareness and education about domestic violence.

In conclusion, this comprehensive report provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 measures on DV in eight European Member States during the initial lock-down period. It highlights the need for timely and effective responses to address the challenges posed by the pandemic and to prevent domestic violence. The report's findings and recommendations can be used to inform policy and practice in other countries and to help ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the support and protection they need.

Weight: 180g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031153341
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023