Introduction
Domestic violence is the extreme or aggressive abuse of a spouse or a partner in marriage or cohabitation. Since the coronavirus pandemic struck the world at the end of 2019 and early 2020, it has led to rising social, economic, and political issues. However, many countries worldwide are fighting it by setting up strict directives that will reduce the spreading of the virus. The standard demands implemented across the world are lockdown and movement restrictions, wearing masks, maintaining social distance between people, and banning meetings and congregations. These directives have forced many people to stay at home to become exposed to their partners so much, leading to an increase in domestic conflicts and disagreements. Domestic violence is a disastrous issue within families that should be put to an end.
Discussion
The discussion is in progress regarding domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak season. Domestic violence is always related to psychological problems with one of the partners. Most people get angered and become bitter with issues of losing employment and financial difficulties. According to Mazza et al. (2020), such moments lead to unnecessary violence and disagreements. Kofman and Garfin (2020) say that domestic violence can lead to emotional distress and psychological trauma. Domestic violence rates have significantly increased as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus.
The rapid spread of coronavirus across the world has forced governments to restrict their citizen from moving to some places. These restrictions have led many people to lose their jobs and income (Kofman & Garfin, 2020). The research by Mazza et al. (2020) suggests that low earnings can trigger domestic violence. Despite having a good life with no conflicts and arguments, financial struggles can activate violence. Lockdown has made couples spend much time together where they expose their habits to their partner (Kofman & Garfin, 2020). Some of these habits may not be well suited to the partner, causing violence and fights. Mazza et al. (2020) claim that being close to each other for a prolonged period increases the possibility of domestic violence turning out.
Excessive domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic period has been witnessed at high rates. Such violence has resulted in severe effects on the victims. According to Kofman and Garfin’s (2020) research, it has highly contributed to emotional and psychological trauma where many victims feel unworthy and hopeless. Mazza et al. (2020) say that domestic violence may result in mental effects like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem. The victim’s relationship with their partners, friends, or parents is altered by these effects causing disagreements (Kofman & Garfin, 2020). Psychological challenges are fatal, and to avoid them, immediate concern is needed.
Conclusion
COVID-19 has tremendously influenced incidences of domestic violence across the world. These incidences have greatly affected many families in general, causing prolonged conflicts and even stress. Following the increased number of cases of domestic violence, the ministries of health should come up with effective strategies to battle the adverse effects of COVID-19. Health practitioners should closely monitor citizens to identify any domestic violence case and report it to the authority to prevent such issues. Domestic violence should come to an end with the observation of the necessary strategies as discussed.
References
Kofman, Y. B., & Garfin, D. R. (2020). Home is not always a haven: The domestic violence crisis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Web.
Mazza, M., Marano, G., Lai, C., Janiri, L., & Sani, G. (2020). Danger in danger: Interpersonal violence during COVID-19 quarantine. Psychiatry Research, 289, 113046. Web.