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Differential Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Domestic Violence Across Demographic Groups
In Event: Gender, Crime and Justice Working Group Panel 8: Contextual variants in domestic abuse (I)
Abstract
Not all groups in society seem to have been equally affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. Vulnerable groups, such as those with low socio-economic status or a migration background, may have experienced a particularly significant impact. Although vulnerable groups already have an increased risk of committing and/or becoming a victim of domestic violence, this may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., increased financial insecurities and limited access to support services). Therefore, this study aims to answer the following research question: Who is at risk of exposure to domestic violence, and, has this changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands?
This study draws upon national data of suspected domestic violence incidents as registered by the Dutch police between 2019 and 2021. By correlating police records with microdata from Statistics Netherlands, including information on demographic characteristics and socio-economic status, this study compares data from 2020 and 2021 against that of 2019. Utilizing time series analyses, the research systematically investigates the extent to which COVID-19 restrictions correlate with shifts in the demographics of individuals potentially involved in domestic violence during times of crises.
Anticipated findings suggest that certain families may have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with already vulnerable households experiencing greater setbacks such as financial strains and increased social isolation. These factors may have contributed to heightened tensions within homes. Targeted interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable families could play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of violence during future crises.