Domestic Violence During the Period From 2015 to 2020 and Effect of Covid 19 on Domestic Violence

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence could be a pattern of injurious behaviour in any relationship that's utilized by one partner to pick up or keep up control over another intimate partner. Aim: The present study aimed to determine factors that affect domestic violence injuries in Fayoum Governorate, Egypt, especially during Covid 19. Methods: This study consists of 2 parts. 1-A retrospective study was conducted on data obtained from domestic violence harmed patients who were recorded to Forensic Medical Authority in Fayoum Governorate, between January 2015 and December 2020. 2-A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out at Fayoum governorate (Fayoum city, Itsa, and Ebshoy). The survey was conducted over six months from March 2020 to September 2020 (the period of closure of schools, shops, airports, and others) to analyze the incidence of domestic violence in the Fayoum governorate during Covid 19. Result: The retrospective study showed a significant increase in domestic violence, especially in 2020 during Covid 19 pandemic. Domestic violence cases were more common in females (100.0% of cases) than in males (0%). The study also revealed that domestic violence cases were more common in females between (20-40) years. There was a statistically significant difference between fatal and nonfatal injuries among cases of domestic violence. Most of the injuries of domestic violence in this study were fatal. The cross-sectional descriptive study showed that domestic violence cases were more common in less than 20 years of age. Most domestic violence cases were female. Rural areas were the main place for domestic violence. Most cases were more common in non-educated and low education people. The recorded types of domestic violence were physical (Hitting, pushing, slapping), verbal, and both verbal and physical. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in domestic violence, especially in 2020 during Covid 19 pandemic. The study showed the importance of community education towards domestic violence prevention.