The dark shadow pandemic – Assault and sexual violence during COVID-19

Abstract

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence (DV), has intensified. As the pandemic continue to strain health services, other essential services, such as DV shelters and helplines, have reached capacity. This article highlights the difficulties in establishing the anti-sexual violence work during such disasters and also impel on making advance preparations for the same.