The hidden monster of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in resource limited settings: a call to action

Abstract

The emergence of COVID-19 has seen an unprecedented increase in social and economic disruption worldwide. While measures such as lockdowns and directives to stay at home have helped ease the impact of the pandemic, there has been an upsurge of reported cases of intimate partner and domestic violence. This problem has disproportionately affected already socially disadvantaged communities especially those in low and middle income countries. This paper discusses domestic violence in the context of COVID-19 and proffers recommendations on how to address this growing burden.