The Dual Crisis of Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19: A Global Perspective

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a dual crisis for women and girls, as lockdowns and quarantines have led to an increase in gender-based violence (GBV) around the world. GBV, which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, is a global public health and human rights issue that affects the physical and mental well-being of millions of individuals. The current pandemic has exacerbated existing GBV trends and created new forms of violence. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected GBV globally and the response of governments and organizations.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented changes in all aspects of daily life, including the way in which gender-based violence (GBV) is experienced and addressed. GBV, which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, is a global public health and human rights issue that affects the physical and mental well-being of millions of individuals. The current pandemic has exacerbated existing GBV trends and created new forms of violence.

Methods: The information for this paper was collected from a systematic review of relevant literature from academic journals, government reports, and news articles. The search terms used were “COVID-19,” “gender-based violence,” and “domestic violence.” The literature review covered the period from January 2020 to December 2020.

Results: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in GBV in many countries around the world. This increase has been attributed to several factors, including stress and economic insecurity, as well as the isolation and confinement caused by lockdowns and quarantines. The isolation and confinement of individuals in close quarters, such as in shelters or refugee camps, has also increased the risk of GBV. Additionally, the pandemic has also led to a decrease in access to services, such as health care and legal assistance, which are essential for GBV survivors.

Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a dual crisis for women and girls, as lockdowns and quarantines have led to an increase in GBV around the world. Governments and organizations must take immediate action to address this issue by increasing funding for GBV services, improving access to services, and raising awareness about the issue. Additionally, governments and organizations must also take steps to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to GBV.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a dual crisis for women and girls, as lockdowns and quarantines have led to an increase in GBV around the world. This is a global public health and human rights issue that affects the physical and mental well-being of millions of individuals. Governments and organizations must take immediate action to address this issue by increasing funding for GBV services, improving access to services, and raising awareness about the issue.

References: -United Nations. (2020). Gender-Based Violence in the Shadow of COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/en/campaigns/end-violence-against-women/covid-19 -WHO. (2020). Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240018332 -UN Women. (2020). COVID-19 and Gender-Based Violence: The Shadow Pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/en/covid-19/gender-based-violence

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