Domestic Violence during the time of Covid-19

In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the outbreak of COVID-19 was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Two months later COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Experts have characterized an “invisible pandemic” of domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis. They have described it as a “ticking time bomb” or a “perfect storm.” This in view of the spreading virus, growing unemployment, increased anxiety and financial stress. Heightened financial pressures and stress could serve to make abusers turn to alcohol or drugs and individuals experiencing violence in their homes find themselves isolated, with limited or no access to resources or friend and family networks. In such a scenario, the entire household would be in very high risk (Campbell, 2020).

In the last weeks WHO has reported that there have been increases in violence against women and men by an intimate partner and against children as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with calls to domestic violence hotlines in Europe increasing by up to 60 per cent, according to reports from various countries including Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Ireland, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom. In Malta, reports of domestic abuse to the police increased by 15% in the first six months of 2020. During the months of March, April and May 2020 there have been 50 more reports logged in than in the same period of the previous year. It is interesting to note that the most frequent type of report was linked to psychological abuse. The effects of emotional abuse include psychosis, tiredness, sleeplessness and loss of interest in daily activities which are signs of depression and if not treated could lead to suicide, according to experts .

Data from the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) indicate a 19.38% increase in the number of individuals making use of their domestic violence services between January – April 2020 over the same period last year. From another perspective, by the third week of July 2020, 84 persons, of whom 7 men, had been referred for the free legal aid service that was launched by the government this April for the benefit of persons experiencing domestic violence. This initiative is also in adherence to the Istanbul Convention for the safeguarding of the legal rights of victims of domestic violence.

In the event of the easing of safety measures, we still have to be careful and vigilant. The pandemic has made our lives more stressful in general, because we have to deal with a barrage of new information and with making necessary changes in our lives to stay safe, but it will hit harder where there is a history of mental illness, abuse or violence.

Studies show that people who suffer financial, housing or jobrelated hardship following times of crisis are more vulnerable to mental health problems. Psychologists suggest that after any loss we should focus on the elements of our situation that we can effectively control. The fact remains however, that domestic violence can rear its ugly head with a vengeance in such unprecedented situations.

Though many communities around the globe may now find themselves physically separated by the threat of spreading the virus, opportunities to remain connected through this difficult time still exist. We all must ensure that people around us are consistently aware of the increased risk of family violence brought about by this unprecedented situation and encourage them to check on neighbours, friends, and family (while adhering to safety measures) and report ANY concerns to the proper authorities. The Commission on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence is currently spearheading an online educational and awareness-raising campaign #intkapaċi #youcan - featuring empowering video clips by various local personalities. The public is invited to join in by liking the facebook page of the Commission

and sharing the video clips that are being circulated on facebook and also on instagram @stopviolencemalta.

For as long as we allow family violence to remain in the shadows, it will do just that. If you see or hear something concerning, please report it. Call 179 or 112. The call you make may very well save a life.

How to request legal assistance:

Email: domesticviolence.legalaidmalta@gov.mt

Mobile: 7974 7974

Telephone: 2247 1500

(Winter: 9am – 3:30pm,

Monday to Friday; Summer: 9am-12 noon, Monday to Friday)

Audrey Friggieri, Commissioner on Gender-based and Domestic Violence