Are Children Harmed by Being Locked up at Home? The Impact of Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Phenomenon of Domestic Violence

Abstract

The phenomenon of violence against children is a very complex one. There are many types of child abuse, and they are culturally dependent to a significant degree. Although studies show that children generally only suffer from mild COVID-19 infection, some social restrictions introduced during the pandemic, such as home isolation, may have many severe consequences on the population’s mental health. Studies on this topic suggest that violence against children increased during lockdown due to the COVID-10 pandemic. This narrative review summarizes this available literature on the subject and discusses the different forms of violence against children, their cultural aspects, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the phenomenon of violence, the long-term consequences of the above, and forms of assistance for abused minors.

Parental Home Safety Practices for Domestic Accident Prevention: How Prepared Were Parents for COVID-19 Confinement? A Cross-Sectional Study

“…There are conflicting views on whether the incidence of child abuse and neglect increase or decrease during lockdown periods. Some supported that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety among adults, working from home, fear of possible serious illness, or even the possibility of death are some of the factors that lead carers towards violent behavior against their children [33,34]. However, in a study by Sege R in JAMA Pediatrics, 2022, it was reported that the available data showed that there was not a significant change in child abuse and neglect during the lockdown period [35].…”

Psychological Effect of Domestic Abuse on Children During COVID

“…Children suffering from an unhealthy relationship are shown to have difficulty building relationships with others. 3 When parents neglect their children, children can be exposed to social and emotional consequences. When adolescents are treated with neglect and do not receive proper care, they will be exposed to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors.…”

“…When adolescents are treated with neglect and do not receive proper care, they will be exposed to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. 3 Active skills are in the most important process of development. Experiencing abuse and violence has an immense influence on one's mental development.…”

“…The occurrence of domestic violence disrupts the balance of the family system and members of the family suffer the consequences. 3…”

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric emergency consultations in adolescents

“…The opening and closing of schools during the pandemic may thus have had a similar influence on the number of psychiatric emergency consultations involving adolescents. On the other hand, it is also true that schools serve as an important entry point for youth in need of help, and that home confinement may increase domestic conflicts, which in combination with pandemic related stress, may lead to an increased number of emergencies [12].…”