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Dynamic Impacts of Lockdown on Domestic Violence: Evidence from Multiple Policy Shifts in Chile

Author

Listed:
  • Sonia Bhalotra

    (University of Warwick, CAGE, CEPR, IEA, IFS, IZA, MiSoC)

  • Emilia Brito

    (Brown University)

  • Damian Clarke

    (University of Exeter, FEN University of Chile, MIPP and IZA)

  • Pilar Larroulet

    (Rutgers University-Newark, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and VioDemos Millennium Institute)

  • Francisco Pino

    (FEN University of Chile and IZA)

Abstract

We identify dynamic impacts on domestic violence (DV) of the staggered imposition and lifting of lockdown across Chile’s 346 municipalities. Lockdown increases DV helpline calls and shelter occupancy without increasing DV police reports. These results are consistent with lockdown raising incidence and creating barriers to reporting. Once lockdown is lifted, shelter occupancy falls and police reports surge, but helpline calls remain elevated in line with state dependence in DV. We identify male job loss as a mechanism driving DV. Our findings accentuate controversy around welfare impacts of lockdown mandates. Adverse impacts of lockdown on DV are mitigated by cash transfers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sonia Bhalotra & Emilia Brito & Damian Clarke & Pilar Larroulet & Francisco Pino, 2026. "Dynamic Impacts of Lockdown on Domestic Violence: Evidence from Multiple Policy Shifts in Chile," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 108(2), pages 344-354, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:restat:v:108:y:2026:i:2:p:344-354
    DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_01412
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Jake Graceffo, 2024. "The impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on domestic violence assaults: A study of New South Wales," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 63(S1), pages 59-69, May.
    3. Damian Clarke & Pilar Larroulet & Daniel Paila~nir & Daniela Quintana, 2022. "Schools as a Safety-net: The Impact of School Closures and Reopenings on Rates of Reporting of Violence Against Children," Papers 2206.14612, arXiv.org.
    4. Bilge Erten & Pinar Keskin & Silvia Prina, 2022. "Social Distancing, Stimulus Payments, and Domestic Violence: Evidence from the US during COVID-19," AEA Papers and Proceedings, American Economic Association, vol. 112, pages 262-266, May.
    5. Rocha, Fabiana & Diaz, Maria Dolores Montoya & Pereda, Paula Carvalho & Árabe, Isadora Bousquat & Cavalcanti, Filipe & Lordemus, Samuel & Kreif, Noemi & Moreno-Serra, Rodrigo, 2024. "COVID-19 and violence against women: Current knowledge, gaps, and implications for public policy," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    6. Diaz, Maria Dolores Montoya & Pereda, Paula & Rocha, Fabiana & Oliveira, Pedro A.C. & Árabe, Isadora Bousquat & Kreif, Noemi & Lordemus, Samuel & Moreno-Serra, Rodrigo, 2025. "Public Policies and Femicides during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from São Paulo, Brazil," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure

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