How COVID-19 Fueled a Surge in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
The COVID-19 pandemic not only devastated public health and economies—it also triggered a disturbing rise in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). As countries went into lockdown, cases of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and intimate partner violence skyrocketed. For millions of women, children, and marginalised communities, staying at home meant staying with their abuser.
This shadow pandemic of violence remains one of the most urgent yet overlooked consequences of COVID-19. Understanding the triggers, recognising the warning signs, and creating preventive systems are now more critical than ever.
Understanding Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Sexual and gender-based violence refers to any harmful act directed at individuals based on their gender. It includes:
- Domestic violence and intimate partner violence
- Sexual assault and rape
- Harassment (physical, verbal, or online)
- Child abuse and neglect
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Forced or early marriages
While both men and women can experience SGBV, women, girls, transgender people, and those with disabilities are most at risk, especially during emergencies and crises like COVID-19.
Why Did COVID-19 Increase Gender-Based Violence?
The pandemic created the perfect storm for abuse to thrive. Here's how:
1. Lockdowns Trapped Victims
Strict stay-at-home orders confined people indoors, often with their abuser. With no escape route and restricted mobility, many victims were unable to seek help or find safety.
2. Reduced Access to Support Services
Due to safety restrictions, shelters, legal aid centres, police departments, and NGOs either shut down or operated at limited capacity. Victims had fewer avenues to report or escape abuse.
3. Economic Stress and Job Loss
Job losses and financial stress triggered frustration and conflict within households. Studies have long shown a direct correlation between economic hardship and rising domestic violence rates.
4. Isolation and Lack of Social Networks
Cut off from friends, extended family, and the outside world, many victims were isolated without the usual social safeguards or moral support.
5. Online Abuse Surged
With the digital shift, cyberbullying, revenge porn, and online stalking increased—particularly targeting women and girls active on social media and virtual platforms.
Global Rise in Violence: Country Examples
Numerous countries reported alarming spikes in gender-based violence during the pandemic:
- United States: Several states saw a 20–30% rise in domestic abuse calls within weeks of lockdowns.
- UK: Refuge reported a 65% increase in calls to its domestic abuse helpline during the first lockdown.
- India: The National Commission for Women received more complaints of domestic violence in the first four months of lockdown than in the previous 10 months combined.
- France: Domestic violence cases jumped by 30% within the first month of lockdown.
- Kenya: Police recorded a 42% increase in cases of gender-based violence within the first six months of 2020.
Women on the Frontlines: Health Workers and Caregivers
Women not only faced increased violence at home but also bore the brunt of the health crisis. Around 70% of frontline healthcare workers globally are women. They worked tirelessly through fear, overwork, and underpayment—often with no protective measures against harassment or abuse.
In some cases, female nurses and caregivers were assaulted or stigmatised for being “COVID carriers,” simply for doing their jobs.
Impact on Mental Health
The psychological toll of SGBV during the pandemic is immense:
- Increased anxiety and depression among survivors
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Substance abuse as a coping mechanism
Children who witnessed or experienced abuse also suffered developmentally, emotionally, and academically, with many still struggling to recover post-pandemic.
Steps to Address and Prevent Gender-Based Violence
1. Ensure Support Services Stay Open
During emergencies, domestic violence shelters, hotlines, and counselling services must be declared essential. Virtual alternatives should be made widely accessible and secure.
2. Train Healthcare and Law Enforcement
Hospitals and police departments need training to identify and sensitively handle SGBV cases. Confidentiality and trust must be built into every interaction.
3. Economic Empowerment
Investing in women's financial independence reduces dependency on abusive partners. Skill training, microloans, and job support are key tools.
4. Legislation and Legal Aid
Fast-track courts, stricter laws, and free legal counselling can help bring justice swiftly and protect survivors from intimidation or retaliation.
5. Awareness and Education
Public campaigns, school programmes, and social media advocacy must normalise discussions around SGBV and empower communities to intervene.
Technology for Good: How Innovation Helped
Despite the challenges, many organisations used tech to support survivors:
- WhatsApp and SMS-based helplines
- Apps with p
