Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Violence During the First Year of the Pandemic

An Integrative Review

Bibliographic Data

ID19521399
AuthorsAna Cunha (0000-0003-0822-8248, University of Minho, corresponding author), Marcelo Gonçalves (0000-0002-6174-0163, University of Minho), Marlene Matos (0000-0002-2194-839X, University of Minho)
Year2025
Volume26
Issue1
Pages118-137
Publication date2025-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTrauma Violence & Abuse (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1524-8380 • E-ISSN: 1552-8324
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/15248380241277788
PMID39315677
OpenAlexW4402759195
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited93

This integrative review aims to analyze and synthesize existing literature to inform our understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of domestic violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a holistic and ecological framework. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) study design, searches were conducted on six databases, yielding a final sample of 58 articles. The study comprehensively overviews North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and worldwide research. The literature reveals an alarming increase in domestic violence victimization during the pandemic in most regions and studies, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities. The increase in domestic violence during the pandemic is linked to ecological factors such as lower physical and mental health, rising substance use, and financial stress, which heightened individuals’ vulnerability. Lockdowns exacerbated these issues by increasing confinement in homes, disrupting support services, and limiting victims’ access to help. Barriers to help-seeking and amplified personal and professional stressors at the care level are identified. Advocacy for improved awareness, cooperation, and inclusive national and institutional policies emerges. This study underscores the urgency of empirical research to generate reliable data on the pandemic’s impact on domestic violence. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding unique factors affecting specific groups, as well as informing prevention efforts and targeted interventions. Recognizing the mutual benefit of research–practice partnerships is crucial in addressing and preventing domestic violence. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of domestic violence during the pandemic’s first year, guiding empirically informed interventions and policy changes

Computer security · Criminology · Domestic violence · Empirical research · Environmental health · MEDLINE · Mental health · Pandemic · Poison control · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Stressor · Suicide prevention · Systematic review · COVID-19 Impact on Reproduction · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology