The “shadow pandemic” refers to the alarming rise in violence against women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the indirect pandemic of increasing violence, overshadowing the global focus on the direct effects of COVID-19. The stress of lockdowns, unemployment, and economic insecurity during the pandemic has aggravated domestic violence globally. Below are critical points that highlight the alarming rise in violence and its impact on society.

Increased Domestic Violence During Lockdowns

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, people were confined to their homes, leading to an increase in domestic violence. With economic hardships, job losses, and increasing stress, many families experienced heightened tension. As people were forced to stay indoors, women and children found themselves in unsafe environments where the violence often escalated. This was particularly noticeable in countries with strict lockdown measures where women were unable to escape or seek help from shelters and support services.

Global Surge in Gender-Based Violence

According to UN Women, there was a dramatic rise in gender-based violence globally, especially since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Many women experienced violence within their own homes, unable to report the abuse due to lockdown restrictions, financial dependency, and social isolation. The difficulty of accessing legal and social services during the pandemic further hindered their ability to escape or report their abusers.

Young Women and Sexual Harassment

A report by WomenUK revealed that 97% of women aged 18 to 24 had faced sexual harassment, and 80% of women across all age groups experienced sexual harassment in public spaces. The rise of sexual harassment and abuse in public spaces during the pandemic reflected the growing vulnerability of women, especially young women, who were often subjected to unwanted attention and harassment even when they were isolated in their homes during lockdowns.

Increased Femicide Rates

Reports from the UK highlighted a disturbing trend in femicides during the pandemic. A woman was killed every other day, and many of these murders were committed by someone the victim knew, often a partner or family member. Many of these femicides were linked to domestic violence, which spiked during the pandemic due to the added stress of isolation and financial hardship. The increasing rates of femicides pointed to the deadly consequences of unchecked violence against women.

Tripling of Domestic Violence Murders in the UK

In the first month of the UK lockdown in March 2020, the number of domestic violence-related murders tripled compared to the same period in 2019. The isolation caused by lockdowns meant that many victims were unable to reach out for help, and support services struggled to keep up with the rising demand. The escalation of violence during this time highlighted the critical need for better protective measures and support systems for victims.

Lack of Support for Victims

The lockdown measures left many women unable to access shelters or support systems. As support services became overwhelmed, it became increasingly difficult for victims of domestic violence to find help. With shelters closing or operating under limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions, many women were left vulnerable to continued abuse in their own homes. This lack of support further deepened the crisis.

Global Data on Gender-Based Violence

Global data has shown a significant rise in gender-based violence, often exacerbated by the pandemic. The UN has referred to this surge as a “shadow pandemic,” underscoring the widespread nature of the issue, which impacts women in both public and private spheres. While COVID-19 dominated headlines, the increase in violence against women was a less visible, but equally urgent, issue that needed immediate attention.

Impact in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, the situation mirrored the global trends. From January to October 2020, Ain o Salish Kendra reported 1,349 cases of rape, 483 instances of domestic violence, and 205 women murdered by their husbands. However, these numbers are likely an undercount, as many cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse often go unreported in Bangladesh, where social stigma and fear of retaliation prevent victims from coming forward.

Domestic Violence and Economic Insecurity

Economic insecurity played a significant role in escalating domestic violence. The pandemic’s economic toll, such as job loss and financial instability, contributed to heightened stress within households. This stress, combined with the forced confinement of lockdowns, led to more frequent and severe incidents of violence in many homes, creating a cycle of abuse that was difficult for victims to escape.

Research Findings from Dhaka University

A study from Dhaka University revealed that incidents of dowry-related violence and domestic abuse doubled during the pandemic. The economic hardships and the shutdown of many social services left women in vulnerable situations. This increase in dowry-related violence reflects the growing pressures on women in both marital and domestic settings during the COVID-19 crisis.

Increase in Suicide Due to Sexual Violence

In some extreme cases, victims of sexual violence, unable to find support or justice, resorted to suicide. In Bangladesh, at least 14 women who had experienced sexual abuse took their own lives during the pandemic. The lack of access to support systems, compounded by feelings of shame and helplessness, pushed these victims to take drastic measures to escape their trauma.

Pandemic’s Effect on Public Safety for Women

The lockdown also had a significant impact on public safety for women. Many women reported feeling more vulnerable to harassment and violence in public spaces, particularly as law enforcement and public safety measures became stretched during the pandemic. The social distancing measures meant that women faced increased isolation, often with fewer opportunities to report harassment or seek help.

Call for Immediate Action

The UN and various human rights organizations have called for urgent action to address this growing crisis. Guterres emphasized the need for governments to prioritize the protection of women and children as part of their pandemic response plans. The protection of vulnerable populations must be a core part of global pandemic strategies.

Need for Strengthening Legal and Social Support Systems

There is a growing need to strengthen both legal frameworks and social support systems to better protect victims of domestic and gender-based violence. Improved access to shelters, legal services, and emergency hotlines is essential to ensuring the safety and security of women and children during times of crisis.

Role of Technology in Reporting Violence

Technology has played a critical role in helping women report violence during the pandemic. With limited mobility, many women turned to online resources, hotlines, and social media to seek help. However, access to these resources has been unequal, with rural and marginalized women facing significant barriers in accessing online platforms and reporting abuse.

Violence in Conflict Zones

In conflict zones, the situation has been even more dire, as women and children face violence from both family members and external actors. The pandemic further intensified the violence in these regions, as the breakdown of law and order, along with limited humanitarian aid, left women and children even more vulnerable.

Challenges Faced by Women in Developing Countries

In developing countries, women faced even more significant challenges in accessing legal help, support services, and safe shelters. The pandemic disrupted normal services, leaving women without the critical resources they need to escape abusive situations. Many countries also faced overwhelmed healthcare and social support systems, which further hindered women’s ability to seek help.

Policy Recommendations from UN Women

UN Women has proposed several policy recommendations to address the shadow pandemic, including increasing funding for shelters, hotlines, and support services. They have also called for improved access to justice and increased awareness about gender-based violence to empower women and prevent future abuse.

Increased Awareness Campaigns

Governments and organizations worldwide have launched campaigns to raise awareness about domestic and gender-based violence. These campaigns aim to break the silence surrounding violence, provide resources for victims, and encourage governments to take swift action to protect women and children.

Long-Term Implications

The long-term psychological and emotional trauma experienced by victims of gender-based violence during the pandemic could have lasting effects on future generations. Addressing this crisis requires not only immediate action but also long-term support to heal victims and prevent future violence.

Conclusion

The shadow pandemic of violence against women and children during COVID-19 has exposed the need for stronger global efforts to protect vulnerable populations. Governments, organizations, and communities must work together to ensure that women and children are supported, empowered, and free from violence, both during and after the pandemic.