INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCE ON PHENOMENOLOGY OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Numerous questions and discussions have been raised regarding the approach that countries have undertaken in order to address the COVID-19 crisis. Problems which had been marginalized during the crisis came to light, such as the phenomenology of criminal offences influenced by the COVID-19. For instance, devastating effects on mental health, stemming from the fact that measures of social distancing and restrictions on freedom of movement led to an increase in depression and anxiety, insomnia and hopelessness. Authors of this paper will try to point out the importance of psychological and social factors in the analysis of the increase and decrease of criminal offences influenced by COVID-19 by analyzing reports and comparing the Republic of Croatia with other countries in the world. The analysis strives to underline the need to adopt better strategies and plans for the purpose of fight against COVID-19 and to mitigate the consequences of its effects.