Domestic violence in the time of coronavirus

Heightened stress and uncertainty in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic could place women at increased risk of domestic violence, experts warn, especially when they are forced to self-isolate with their perpetrator at home.

According to White Ribbon Australia, across the country one woman is murdered by her current or former partner on average each week.

But it’s not just physical violence that places women at risk, with some perpetrators also using psychological and emotional abuse tactics to alienate their partners from their family and friends.

Experts are now warning that calls to self-isolate to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease could have unintended consequences on women whose risk of experiencing domestic violence while distanced from their support network is exacerbated.

Flinders University social work Professor Sarah Wendt told InDaily, the coronavirus pandemic has created “extraordinary circumstances” that exacerbate – not cause – domestic violence in the family home.

To view the full article visit InDaily

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