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

Author

Listed:
  • Bhalotra, Sonia

    (University of Warwick, CEPR, IEA, CAGE and IZA)

  • Brito, Emilia

    (Brown University, Department of Economics)

  • Clarke, Damian

    (University of Chile, Department of Economics, MIPP and IZA)

  • Larroulet, Pilar

    (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Instituto de Sociología)

  • Pino, Francisco

    (University of Chile, Department of Economics and IZA)

Abstract

We leverage staggered implementation of lockdown across Chile’s 346 municipalities, identifying dynamic impacts on domestic violence (DV). Using administrative data, we find lockdown imposition increases indicators of DV-related distress, while decreasing DV reports to the police. We identify male job loss as a mechanism driving distress, and female job loss as driving decreased reporting. Stimulus payments to poor households act on both margins, their impacts partially differentiated by lockdown status. Once lockdown is lifted, police reports surge but we see a ratchet effect in distress. Our findings accentuate the controversy around welfare impacts of lockdown mandates.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhalotra, Sonia & Brito, Emilia & Clarke, Damian & Larroulet, Pilar & Pino, Francisco, 2021. "Dynamic Impacts of Lockdown on Domestic Violence : Evidence from Multiple Policy Shifts in Chile," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1392, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wrk:warwec:1392
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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).

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    Keywords

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    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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