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

Author

Listed:
  • Michiko Nagashima-Hayashi

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Anna Durrance-Bagale

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
    Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

  • Manar Marzouk

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Mengieng Ung

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Sze Tung Lam

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Pearlyn Neo

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Natasha Howard

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
    Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, London WC1E 7HT, UK)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Michiko Nagashima-Hayashi & Anna Durrance-Bagale & Manar Marzouk & Mengieng Ung & Sze Tung Lam & Pearlyn Neo & Natasha Howard, 2022. "Gender-Based Violence in the Asia-Pacific Region during COVID-19: A Hidden Pandemic behind Closed Doors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2239-:d:750707
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pinotti, Paolo & Bhalotra, Sonia & Britto, Diogo & Sampaio, Breno, 2021. "Job Displacement, Unemployment Benefits and Domestic Violence," CEPR Discussion Papers 16350, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Jennifer L. Matjasko & Phyllis Holditch Niolon & Linda Anne Valle, 2013. "The Role of Economic Factors and Economic Support in Preventing and Escaping from Intimate Partner Violence," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(1), pages 122-128, January.
    3. Caroline Bradbury‐Jones & Louise Isham, 2020. "The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID‐19 on domestic violence," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(13-14), pages 2047-2049, July.
    4. Lin-Chi Hsu & Alexander Henke, 2021. "COVID-19, staying at home, and domestic violence," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 145-155, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Colin W. Binns & Mi Kyung Lee & Thi Thuy Duong Doan & Andy Lee & Minh Pham & Yun Zhao, 2022. "COVID and Gender: A Narrative Review of the Asia-Pacific Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-16, December.

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