With almost 5 million deaths due to COVID-19 worldwide and over 730,000 of those from the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic has shattered communities, populations, and people. Beyond the effects of the disease itself, COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on domestic violence incidents, in what some experts are calling a “shadow pandemic.” According to numerous studies, domestic violence incidents increased after March 2020 worldwide.
Scroll through this post to see the numbers, data, and statistics. What the numbers show are the far-reaching effects of the pandemic – where we as a society must improve to help protect families and children from abuse. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, class, or status. Children who experience it or are present during incidents experience life-long effects.
US Facts and Statistics – Domestic Violence and the COVID-19 Pandemic
8.1% Increase in Incidents in the US
According to a study by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice, domestic violence incidents rose by 8.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. Since domestic violence is severely underreported, especially in the US, experts believe this number to be a vast underrepresentation of true domestic violence incidents.
1.8 Times Greater in Severity
A study published by the Radiological Society of North America found that although the number of domestic violence cases radiologists saw decreased in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the severity of physical domestic violence was 1.8 times greater than the three years previous.
Domestic Violence Calls and Arrests in US Cities
22% Increase in Domestic Violence Arrests
Portland, Oregon saw a 22% increase in domestic violence related arrests in the weeks following the initial pandemic shutdowns compared to the previous weeks.
18% Increase in Domestic Violence Calls
San Antonio, Texas saw an 18% increase in calls related to family violence in the weeks following the initial pandemic shutdown compared to March 2019 calls.
27% Increase in Domestic Violence Calls
Jefferson County, Alabama saw a 27% increase in domestic violence related calls in March 2020 compared to March 2019.
10% Increase in Domestic Violence Calls
New York City police departments reported responding to 10% more domestic violence incidents in March 2020 compared to March 2019.
Domestic Violence in the Pandemic – Worldwide Facts and Statistics
300% Increase in Domestic Violence Reports
Police in China’s Hubei Province reported tripled amounts of domestic violence reports in February 2020 compared to February 2019.
25% Increase in Domestic Violence Reports
According to a United Nations report, France reported a 25% increase in domestic violence reports since their lockdown.
33% Increase in Hotline Calls
According to a United Nations report, Singapore reported a 33% increase in domestic violence helpline calls since lockdown.
30% Increase in Hotline Calls
According to a United Nations report, Cyprus reported a 30% increase in domestic violence helpline calls since lockdown.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE
1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224
LOVE IS RESPECT NATIONAL TEEN DATING ABUSE HELPLINE
1-866-331-9474 | 1-866-331-8453
RAPE, ABUSE & INCEST NATIONAL NETWORK’S (RAINN) NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
Intimate Partner Violence by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
