Gender-Based Violence in the Asia-Pacific Region during COVID-19: A Hidden Pandemic behind Closed Doors

Abstract

Since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been reports of increased violence against women globally. We aimed to explore factors associated with reported increases in gender-based violence (GBV) during the pandemic in the Asia-Pacific region. We conducted 47 semi-structured interviews with experts working in sexual and reproductive health in 12 countries in the region. We analysed data thematically, using the socio-ecological framework of violence. Risks associated with increased GBV included economic strain, alcohol use and school closures, together with reduced access to health and social services. We highlight the need to address heightened risk factors, the importance of proactively identifying instances of GBV and protecting women and girls through establishing open and innovative communication channels, along with addressing underlying issues of gender inequality and social norms. Violence is exacerbated during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying and supporting women at risk, as well as preventing domestic violence during lockdowns and movement restrictions is an emerging challenge. Our findings can help inform the adoption of improved surveillance and research, as well as innovative interventions to prevent violence and detect and protect victims.

Carga doméstica, cuidado de los dependientes y violencia en el hogar durante el confinamiento por la Covid-19

“…Sobre la percepción de la violencia contra las mujeres; primeramente, se debe señalar que en el Perú esta situación ha sido alarmante, pero a su vez débilmente atendida, puesto que en pandemia muchos servicios tuvieron que cerrar, y solo se priorizó el reporte de la violencia y la atención telefónica, como en muchas partes del mundo (27,28) . Esta situación aumentó el reporte de la violencia durante la pandemia, evidenciada en los medios de comunicación y en las estadísticas de los servicios de atención definidos como esenciales, en el caso peruano, las líneas telefónicas (29) ; siendo que este servicio prestó preponderante atención a las personas afectadas por la violencia, debido a la atención parcial de los servicios legales y de los hogares de acogida temporal para afectadas por la violencia, sobre todo para las personas más vulnerables, como niños y niñas, discapacitados, migrantes, entre otros (30) , siendo que esto puede explicar los resultados obtenidos sobre la percepción del aumento de violencia durante el confinamiento.…”

How can humanitarian services provision during mass displacement better support health systems? An exploratory qualitative study of humanitarian service provider perspectives in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

“…Shared sanitation facilities and overcrowded shelter infrastructure in displacement camps make safe distancing extremely difficult, as also found in Syria ( Barua and Karia, 2020 ; Krishnan, 2020 ; Douedari et al., 2020 ). Other impacts included increased incidence of child marriage, as found in other settings ( Nagashima-Hayashi et al., 2022 ), and potentially exacerbated by reduced availability of reproductive and sexual health counselling services ( Guglielmi et al., 2020 ; Melnikas et al., 2020 ).…”

Vulnerability to violence against women or girls during COVID-19 in Uganda

“…Analysis of data from Twitter reveals coercive control and physical aggression as major forms of violence during COVID-19, but alcohol abuse and financial difficulties as contributing risk factors [ 17 ]. Analysis of qualitative data from 12 countries pointed to alcohol abuse, school closures, and limited access to social and health services as risk factors for GBV during COVID-19 [ 18 ]. Other factors associated with GBV during COVID-19 are age difference between partners (more than four years) [ 19 ] and patriarchy [ 20 ].…”