The shock, fear, and panic brought on by the pandemic's rapid growth and breadth, as well as the initial ignorance of the best ways to resist it, are only a few of the distinctive features of its onset and spread globally. Given their effectiveness at slowing the spread of the virus, lockdown measures - even when thought to be drastic - were promptly implemented as a policy option for the better welfare of the public in many countries. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence rates were rising in both developing and industrialized nations. According to research published on February 24 by the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice (NCCCJ), domestic violence incidents increased by 8.1% in the US following lockdown orders. Due to embarrassment and fear, domestic abuse is frequently not reported, and law enforcement does not always take it seriously. Lockdowns have also increased the number of abuse victims who are stuck with their abusers and made it more challenging to report events or get help from others, contributing to what the UN calls the "shadow pandemic" of violence against women.

According to NCCCJ, economic problems like male unemployment, financial insecurity, and stress from child care and homeschooling have increased the risk factors for domestic violence. It is also believed that unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as high alcohol consumption and other substance usages, increased the chance of abuse.

The COVID-19 pandemic's effects, such as confinement, isolation, and unemployment, are leading some offenders to react more violently. NGOs and news organizations from all over the world are reporting instances of women who are subjected to new or increasing violence at home. During the lockdown, the head of a non-governmental organization in the US that combats violence against women stated that they were witnessing the nature of the violence becoming more extreme and there are more death threats. Many women sought assistance when their verbally abusive partner escalated his behavior during the lockdown and began physically attacking them for the first time ever. While other women said that when the country was on lockdown, tensions with their husbands rose. They frequently disagreed, and one day he turned hostile and beat them.

Dysfunctional families are more likely to experience violence as a result of the pandemic's heightened stress and strain, and abusive spouses' dangerous habits are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, there has been a rise in alcohol and drug misuse during the lockdown, which could be a factor leading to a hike in IPV and Domestic Violence cases. Violence appears to be a way of letting off steam. In fact, it has been seen that among many women, shifting gender roles have led to men taking out their displeasure on their wives and kids in an effort to reclaim control over their homes.

Disease outbreaks change gender norms, making women more susceptible because it is expected that they will stay at home and give up their careers. Due to the closing of schools and daycare centers, parents have additional childcare and educational responsibilities. Women typically take unpaid leaves of absence or quit their jobs to care for their children at home because it is their gender-based obligation to do so in most societies. Since many girls do not return to finish their education, some would not only lose their jobs but also their chances to do so. For instance, during the Ebola epidemic, females who dropped out of school did not return, and the number of adolescent pregnancies rose. Due to these factors, the female is at a lower status than her male counterpart. Women are more likely to experience Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in settings where they have less authority than men due to the danger of financial dependency and unemployment. Household stress and tension furthermore increase due to rapid changes in social standards, and home isolation. Such evolution in gender roles in societies has witnessed that women suffer from violence due to confrontation as they didn't intend to conform to their wishes.  

Additionally, female survivors do more caregiving duties than men do globally. Women bear three times as much of the burden of unpaid care work. As a result, the household experiences financial difficulty, which has been found to enhance IPV. The likelihood of DV or IPV for women has significantly increased by early marriage and lower levels of education. Female survivors of domestic violence who have lower socioeconomic levels and less education tend to have lower thresholds of tolerance for the escalating violence. This raises serious concerns because, if their circumstances deteriorate, DV survivors will become more prone to violence and experience greater suffering.

Violence against women surged significantly during the COVID-19 epidemic, later, it had a life-long effect on the lives of survivors. Multiple circumstances that contribute to violence against women were made worse by the lockdown. It worsened gender roles, heightened domestic conflict, reduced access to supporting resources, reduced participation in stress-relieving activities, and increased financial obligations. 

However, if you or anyone you know might be going through the violence of any kind, you must know that help is available. Do not suffer in silence as you do not deserve this. Speak up and find help!