Domestic Violence and COVID-19 Lockdowns: A Shadow Pandemic?

Children Witnessing Domestic and Family Violence: A Widespread Occurrence during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic

Sexual violence is a degrading act against a person's body without consent that causes physical, psychological and sexual suffering. Meanwhile, acts of domestic violence include physical, psychological, sexual and economic violence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, individual social space is limited and creates economic pressure which has implications for cases of sexual violence and domestic violence in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the incidence of unnatural deaths before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a descriptive method with a retrospective study design using medical records from 805 victims of sexual violence and 520 victims of domestic violence. The population of this study were victims of sexual violence and domestic violence (2017-2021) who were examined at the POLRI Hospital East Jakarta according to inclusion criteria. The results showed that the frequency of victims of sexual violence cases was 805 victims and domestic violence was 520 victims. The frequency of victims in cases of sexual violence occurred the most in 2020 or during the COVID-19 pandemic as many as 236 victims. Based on gender, the most cases were women as many as 222 victims occurred in 2020. The age range of the most sexual violence cases occurred in 2020 with an age range of 12-16 years as many as 99 victims. The highest frequency of victims in domestic violence cases occurred in 2020 or during the COVID-19 pandemic as many as 161 victims. Based on gender, the most women as many as 133 victims occurred in 2020. The age range of the most domestic violence cases occurred in 2021 with an age range of 26-35 as many as 55 victims. It can be concluded that the incidence of sexual violence and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic was higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

While domestic violence (DV) - encompassing abusive action towards children, intimate partners, and elderly patients - is frequently reported at US trauma centers each year, contemporary data on DV trends and outcomes remain limited. We identified all trauma patients with DV using the 2018-2021 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) database. Temporal trends were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to assess the association of DV with in-hospital mortality, hospital duration of stay (LOS) and non-home discharge. Among 4190,728 trauma admissions, 8677 (0.2 %) involved DV, with the majority being children (73.6 %), followed by adults (19.5 %) and elderly patients (7.0 %). DV-related trauma admissions increased significantly from 2018 to 2021 (1.7 to 2.0 per 1000 trauma admissions, trend test P < 0.001). DV victims were more frequently female (48.8 vs 39.0 %), Black (30.7 vs 15.2 %), and insured by Medicaid (61.8 vs 18.0 %). DV was associated with higher in-hospital mortality among children (AOR 4.86, 95 % CI 3.88-6.10) and elderly patients (AOR 2.59, 95 % CI 1.42-4.73). Children with DV had significantly longer LOS by 2.1 days (95 % CI 1.8-2.4 days). Children (AOR 2.98, 95 %CI 2.30-3.85) and elderly DV patients (AOR 1.60, 95 %CI 1.15-2.23) had increased odds of non-home discharge. DV-related trauma admissions have risen significantly across national trauma centers. Enhanced protocols at trauma centers may provide critical opportunities for DV identification and intervention as well as prevention strategies.

This article examines the relationship between police services offered to Asian women as victims of domestic violence and institutional racism. Interviews with officers and women belonging to the minority ethnic communities in two police force areas in England showed that black and minority ethnic (BME) women victims of domestic violence suffer a double disadvantage in terms of the poor service that victims of domestic violence receive in general and because their special needs on account of their ethnicity are not taken into account. The article identifies various problem areas in the way domestic violence incidents in the Asian community are policed, and argues that discussing this issue as an outcome of institutionally racist practices would give it a higher profile and perhaps provide a stronger impetus for introducing necessary reforms and changes in police policy, practice, and training.

This study examines service utilization among 283 adult victims of domestic violence identified by crisis responders as being in need of crisis services. The purpose of this study is to explore the differences between the domestic violence victims who choose to utilize shelter services and those who do not. Findings suggest that domestic violence victims who were more likely to utilize shelter services included those who had children at the time of the incident, victims who called for assistance from a location other than their home, victims who did not have a current order of protection in place, and victims who were injured during the domestic violence incident. Implications suggest more specific services to be provided by shelters.

The study investigates the incidence of domestic violence as reported by the press under the Movement Control Order MCO during the pandemic. The study also discussed how of issues of domestic violence can be handled now and during future pandemics. Empirical evidence used in this study is based on secondary data and qualitative analysis technique adopted to assess issues of domestic violence. To get relevant data, Google Scholar was used as a tool to access the major databases provided by Springer, IISTE, Tailor and Frances, Emerald, Elsevier, Sage and others. Data were obtained from newspaper articles and news articles from various online news outlets as the only source to access data of incidence of domestic violence in Malaysia during the lockdown. Results indicate a slight decrease in calls on domestic violence immediately after the MCO was implemented on March 18. It is found that the decrease was due to the fact that survivors or victims were trapped with the abusers and could not seek help or escape. The study further found that organizations attending to domestic violence cases reported a serious increase in number of abuse cases in Malaysia in the second week of the MCO thus between 18 and 31 March. The findings are intended to contribute to the narratives on violence against women now and during future disease outbreaks. It may also assist in the future improvement of the provision of services and interventions for victims of domestic violence during pandemic.

This paper examines incidences of domestic violence among hospitalized patients identified as being victims of domestic violence. Specifically, we focus on defining the type and cost of domestic violence and identifying demographic characteristics of individuals at risk for domestic violence. Data for this paper were abstracted from the 1994 HCUP-3 data set. Findings from these data suggest that identifying incidences of domestic violence is very complex and difficult. The primary diagnosis of those who are victims of domestic violence range from broken bones and bruises to chronic and acute illness to mental illness. Finally, non-white populations are approximately two times more likely to be identified as victims of physical violence than whites and as age increases the likelihood of being identified as a victim of physical violence decreases.

Domestic violence (DV) is a neglected topic in health care, resulting in delays in the identification of DV victims and suboptimal care. The attitudes of health care professionals (HCPs) toward stigmas associated with victims of DV can affect the care offered to the latter. The HCPs' attitude toward victims of DV is therefore an important but neglected topic in health care research. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether awareness training changes HCPs' attitudes toward victims of DV, especially with regard to their stigmatization. Problem-centered interviews were conducted with 12 health professionals (six women and six men, six with and six without previous awareness training) concerning their attitudes and approaches to DV and those affected by it. Our data analysis indicates a significant difference in HPC attitudes toward potential DV victims depending on whether or not HCPs have undergone awareness training. Awareness training does not only improve theoretical knowledge about DV; it also changes staff attitudes toward DV victims, especially with regard to their stigmatization. Our study shows that awareness training changes the HCPs' attitudes toward victims of DV. This change in attitude might reduce pressure on both the HCP and the victim, which in turn might help the victim to accept the care offered. Therefore, awareness training can help to reduce barriers to helping victims of DV.

This book chapter dicsusses the data, methodological strategies, and findings, and the final section concludes with a discussion of key policy implications and directions for future research regarding climate change, livelihoods, and domestic violence in Indonesia. This study argues that climate shocks in Indonesia elevate the incidence of domestic violence via their impact on agriculture and agrarian livelihoods. Those relying on agriculture as a primary income source in Indonesia-approximately 41% of the population=suffer when climatic stress diminishes earnings through job loss and reduced crop yields. The impact can reduce food security, especially for subsistence farmers, but also for the broader population when scarcity elevates local food prices. Food already consumes 70% of household budgets for half the population, with rice comprising the largest share-over 25% of total household expenditures for the poorest quintile. Thus, even minor reductions in yields or inflation in local rice markets can have dire effects. These impacts are anticipated to exacerbate social and psychological pressures-stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse-commonly associated with domestic and intimate partner violence, which in turn should increase its incidence within affected regions. This study uses data from the Global SPEI database and the NVMS to model the relationship between climate change and domestic violence in Indonesia. It finds that positive and negative deviations from long-term climate averages, when occurring in December-the core month of the Indonesian rice-planting season-increase the incidence of domestic violence in the following year. This relationship likely reflects the negative impact of climate shocks on agricultural sectors and livelihoods, an outcome which aggravates the emotional and psychological preconditions for domestic violence and abuse, disproportionately diminishes women's bargaining power in the household, and reduces women's ability to escape abusive situations. These effects are especially prominent in areas with higher levels of poverty, further illustrating the economic dimension of the causal process.

This article describes the process of developing the Hellenic Risk Assessment Instrument reaching the pilot phase, with particular application to the police. The Risk Assessment tool is designed to assess incidents of domestic violence for recidivism and lethality. In particular, the Hellenic Risk Assessment tool is designed to be applied horizontally, across all frontline national agencies that receive reports of domestic violence and abuse (health, police, social services, specialised network of structures for victim support). First, the legal underpinnings nationally and internationally will be described, and the theoretical background and methodology for the overall project will be discussed. During the first stage of the development, data were collected from the specialised department for domestic violence in the Hellenic Police force for the period from January 2019 until July 2021. The data pertained to six overall parameters, which were selected to identify potential risk markers that might be potentially present in the Greek domestic violence incidents. These include perpetrator variables (age, gender, ethnicity), victim variables (age, gender, ethnicity), incident variables (type of violence, and prevalence). In addition, the number of cases reported before and after a domestic homicide, the number of cases at the times of major sporting events and at during the major holidays were investigated. The results were then analysed and will be presented and cross-referenced with other international findings and were used to create the preliminary version of the risk assessment tool. During the second phase of the development of the tool, focus groups were conducted with police officers who covered various departments (Anti-Racism division, Homicide division, Minors, Domestic Violence), that came into direct or indirect contact with victims of abuse, and could offer significant insight into risk factors and parameters that could potentially lead to recidivism and to lethal violence and be usefully incorporated within the tool as well as give their expert opinion as to its efficacy.

Background: Human beings have an innate need to form close emotional bonds with significant others. Objective: The purpose of this research was to study the effect of domestic violence during pregnancy in the mother–infant relationship. Method: 204 pregnant outpatients (of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Hospital Pedro Hispano, Portugal) with a mean age of 29 and in their last 3 months of pregnancy were the participants of this study. To assess the violence level during pregnancy, we used the Conflict Tactic Scale 2. The mother–baby relationship was determined using the Maternal Foetal Attachment Scale and the Maternal Adjustment and Maternal Attitudes questionnaire. Results: In our work, we encountered 107 pregnant victims (52.4% of all outpatients) of domestic violence. The results showed that victims of domestic violence had a poor relationship with the foetus (M = 97.4, SD = 8.1), but not to the point of statistical significance. In these same patients, we also detected minor adjustments and attitude shifts towards pregnancy (M = 117, SD = 14.2) and this result was statistically significant when compared with women who did not experience domestic violence. Conclusion: Our results suggest that women who are victims of domestic violence are more likely to have a lower attachment with the foetus when compared with women who do not suffer domestic violence. Additionally, the victims showed more negative attitudes towards pregnancy and the foetus when compared to non-abused women.

To determine the incidence, 1-year prevalence, and cumulative prevalence of domestic violence (DV) among female emergency department (ED) patients. Descriptive written survey. Two teaching EDs, two hospital walk-in clinics, and one private hospital ED in Denver, Colo. Of 833 women presenting during 30 randomly selected 4-hour time blocks, 648 (78%) agreed to participate. Most respondents were young (median age, 34 years) and unemployed (62%); half (49%) had annual household incomes less than $10,000. Domestic violence was defined as an assault, threat, or intimidation by a male partner. Acute DV (incidence) and past DV exposure (1-year prevalence and cumulative prevalence) were determined. The incidence of acute DV among the 418 women with a current male partner was 11.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.7% to 15.2%). Only 11 (23%) of these 47 women subjected to acute DV presented for care because of trauma, and only six (13%) either told staff about DV or were asked about DV by ED professionals. Among 230 women without current partners, 13 (5.6%) reported an episode of DV within the previous 30 days. For the entire sample, the cumulative lifetime prevalence of DV exposure was 54.2% (95% CI, 50.2% to 58.1%). Women exposed to acute or prior DV were more likely than unexposed women to have made suicide attempts (26% vs 8%; P < .001) and to report excessive ethanol use (24% vs 13%; P = .001). The incidence of acute DV is not as common among women visiting an ED as previously reported, although the cumulative prevalence of DV is strikingly high. Women who have experienced DV are seldom identified by ED professionals.

Self-reported disciplinary practices among women in the child welfare system: Association with domestic violence victimization

This paper presents the results of a study conducted among middle and upper class women in Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. It probes into the nature, determinants and economic and cultural contexts of domestic violence against women. Data were collected through triangulation of in-depth interviews (IDIs}, case studies and survey. A sample size of seven hundred and fifty-four respondents was selected for the survey. The results indicate that although physical abuse is not very common in the two States, a sizeable proportion of women are victims of domestic violence in various manifestations, including sexual, psychological and economic violence. The results also show that although men subordinate women to maintain their socially-constructed superiority, the latter for various reasons, prefer adjusting fo the status quo to deserting their homes. To contain the incidence of domestic violence against women, the use of formal and informal channels of education to reorientate the populace is strongly suggested. This will help to ensure attitudinal and behavioural change towards women subjugation, as well as help the women folk realize their inherent potential. In addition, there is need for policies that will genuinely protect women against violence and those that will empower law enforcement agents to take serious disciplinary measures against the perpetrators of this crime.

The most effective methods for identification and management of domestic violence (DV) victims in health care settings are unknown. The objective of this study was to systematically review screening for DV in the emergency department (ED) to identify victims and decrease morbidity and mortality from DV. Using the terms "domestic violence" or "partner violence," and "identification" or "screening," and "emergency," the authors searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, and Emergency Medical Abstracts from 1980-2002. They selected articles studying screening tools, interventions, or determining the incidence or prevalence of DV among ED patients. The studies were analyzed using evidence-based methodology. Three hundred thirty-nine articles resulted from the literature search. Based on selection criteria, 45 were reviewed in detail and 17 pertained to the ED. From references of these 17 articles, three additional articles were added. Screening can be conducted using a brief verbal screen and existing ED personnel. A randomized, controlled trial did not demonstrate a difference in screening rates between experimental and control hospitals. No studies assessed the effect of ED screening for DV on morbidity or mortality of domestic violence. An ED-based advocacy program resulted in increased use of shelters and counseling. Because of the paucity of outcomes research evaluating ED screening and interventions, there is insufficient evidence for or against DV screening in the ED. However, because of the high burden of suffering caused by DV, health care providers should strongly consider routinely inquiring about DV as part of the history, at a minimum for all female adolescent and adult patients.