Facing yet another crisis? Gender-based violence policies at the Spanish local level during COVID-19

Abstract

Analyses show that crises like the COVID-19 pandemic had gendered effects. This paper explores its impact on gender-based violence (GBV) policies in Spain. We carry out an empirical analysis addressing the case of Information Centres for Women, a local institution in the region of Galicia aimed at promoting equality and tackling GBV. We use a survey to gather information on three key dimensions of GBV policies (resources, actions and coordination) before, during, and after the pandemic. The study shows that there were no significant setbacks in terms of funding and personnel during lockdown. Yet, resources were not enlarged despite increasing levels of violence. Actions had to focus on priority issues and preventive measures were mostly paralyzed, while coordination with other institutions became more difficult. Data gathered for the post-pandemic period indicates that some of these changes remained in place. The article contributes to academic debates by delving into an understudied policy issue: the impact of the pandemic on equality policies at the local level.