Rising Outbreaks, Rising Risks: How COVID‑19 Heightened Violence Against Women and Girls

Recent global health crises—driven by climate change, rapid city growth, and shifting landscapes—have forced governments to take emergency actions that can unintentionally raise the danger of violence toward women and girls. A comprehensive review examined how any outbreak, especially COVID‑19, has changed the frequency of such violence in poorer and middle‑income nations. The evidence shows a clear spike in abuse during the first year of the pandemic compared with before it began.

Five Ways Outbreaks Fuel Violence

1. Economic Collapse
   When economies shut down, many families lose income and jobs, creating stress that can turn into abuse.

2. Restricted Mobility
   Travel bans and lockdowns limit people’s ability to leave abusive homes or seek help.

3. Service Disruption
   Reduced access to schools, health clinics, and support services removes safety nets that usually protect vulnerable girls.

4. Health‑Related Fear
   The fear of catching the disease can trap victims inside dangerous situations because they worry about contracting illness if they leave.

5. Distrust in Health Systems
   Past distrust—built during earlier outbreaks—can make people reluctant to report abuse or seek assistance.

Data Gaps and Persistent Patterns

Most data come from studies on COVID‑19, with only a handful examining other diseases. Very few studies separated results for women and girls, so the full picture remains unclear. Still, consistent patterns emerge: economic hardship, isolation, and weakened services all raise the risk of domestic violence.

Monitoring Gaps & Protective Measures

• Lack of Surveillance: Many countries do not track violence during health emergencies.
• Immediate Interventions: Safe shelters, hotlines, and community outreach can curb the rise in abuse.
• Long‑Term Resilience: Strengthening health systems and ensuring economic support for families build resilience so future outbreaks do not worsen gender‑based violence.

Takeaway

The pandemic has shown that public health responses can unintentionally make life more dangerous for women and girls. By learning from these lessons, governments can create emergency plans that keep everyone safe before, during, and after crises.