Since the COVID-19 outbreak, new data and reports from frontline workers show that all types of violence against women and girls, especially domestic violence, are on the rise. As COVID-19 cases increased, violence shelters and helplines had reached operational capacity. The women had to stay put in their homes where they were residing. In the present study, the narratives of women show that several of the factors and situations contributed to the domestic violence which emerged out. The findings are reported with relevant narratives under different themes.
3.1. Marital Disharmony
Marital disharmony is when married couples have disagreements and unpleasant feelings. Married couples were stuck in their home under the same roof during the lockdown. They were forced to interact and engage with each other in many different ways. They had to deal with interpersonal problems that could have been avoided by engaging in regular routines, work, and social interactions. One of the victims narrated, “Lockdown worsens all things. I am realizing that we had a toxic relationship. I do not want to stay in this relationship anymore. I need separation from my husband.”
Lower socialisation with family and friends, compatibility issues with in-laws, personal factors such as depression, anxiety, increased stress, anger and less satisfaction in marriage life, rejection of women's traditional "housewife" roles, unrealistic expectations from the partner, increased family responsibilities during COVID pandemic induced marital disharmony between married couples and negatively affected marital life. Marital disharmony leads to conflict between couples. It is evident from one of the victims who related, “Husband and I stayed separately due to lockdown announcement and the communication gap created detachment among us. We fight for little things, and that creates stress for me.”
The pandemic's overall financial, emotional and physical stress has forced some people to scrutinize their partners. Tensions are high, and there is nowhere to go in that situation. One of the wives reported “My husband and I are having a lot of adjustment issues these days. We are arguing for silly things, and I feel trapped in this house.”
It has already been proven that spending more time together in close proximity increases the possibility of divorce. One of the victims reported, “We are not enjoying life now; lockdown stuck us in this home.”
An abrupt announcement of a nationwide lockdown led to a situation where physical and emotional separation resulted in what can be described as a 'pseudo-long distance relationship,' particularly affecting couples geographically apart. Conversely, some couples deliberately used this physical distancing following an argument to resolve their conflicts. However, the lockdown prevented them from employing their usual strategy of taking a break from each other, potentially exacerbating their disagreements. Even couples living together faced heightened anxiety about transmitting the illness to each other, accompanied by feelings of guilt. Furthermore, a stigma was attached, particularly targeting healthcare workers and other vulnerable individuals [13].
Most of the contributing factors to marital disharmony are people who are stressed and anxious because they are afraid of catching the coronavirus and are apprehensive about the future. This anxiety is sometimes transferred and directed at the spouse, causing the marital relationship to worsen. Faulty communication patterns such as communication with lack of respect, adequate use of words, appropriate tone, and body language may hamper marital harmony, Unrealistic expectations from a spouse, Job loss/salary cut, Couples who stay separately due to work requirements might end up having frequent conflicts concerning each other’s living styles[13].
3.2. Marital Rape
One of the manifestations of this domestic violence is marital rape, the practice of forcing one’s partner to have sex without proper consent, is an unjust but uncommon way to degrade and displace women's power. According to the National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-21), “among married women aged 18-49 who have experienced sexual violence, 83% said their current husband and 13% said her ex-husband as the perpetrator. It is not fair that the women undergo forceful penetration, and the men enjoy that situation. One woman narrated, “My husband forcing me to have intercourse several times a day.”
Physical and psychological incompatibility over addiction to pornography leads to unrealistic expectations and a dissatisfied sexual life. This became evident with narratives of women, wherein one victim said, “My husband started watching porn videos and forcing me to do accordingly, which is not comfortable for me.” Another woman narrated that “he got drunk every night and always forced me to do unwanted penetration. I am going through unpleasant sexual experiences.” One another victim reported, “My husband became addicted to porn videos and forced me to watch those videos, and he is dissatisfied with the sexual relationship and then scolded for that.”
UN Women has referred to the rise in Violence against Women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and accompanying lockdowns as the ‘Shadow Pandemic’ (UN Women, 2020). The term marital rape (also referred to as spousal rape) refers to unwanted intercourse by a man on his wife obtained by force, threat of force or physical violence or when she is unable to give consent. The word unwanted intercourse refers to all sorts of penetration (anal, vaginal or oral) perpetrated against her will or without her consent [14].
Women are not sexual objects; they are human beings with the same rights as men to defend their bodies from all sorts of violence as a manifestation of their self-worth. In practice, however, men frequently exploit women as sexual objects. Rape affects not just unmarried women but also married women. [15]
A 34-year-old lady whose spouse had left her for another woman after abandoning her for eight years unexpectedly came back during the COVID lockdown. Now, he is regularly abusing her sexually [16]
The absence of thought on healthy sexuality and intimacy practices is prevalent during this pandemic, which often leads to sexual frustration and coercive and risky sexual interactions. Banerjee and Rao, in their detailed review on sexual well-being and intimacy during pandemics, highlight the possible rise of coercive and non-consensual sexual practices, sexual deviations, and increased marital disharmony during the ongoing crisis, all of which can contribute to gender-based stress and violence [10].
3.3 Domestic Labor
One of the important reasons for domestic violence is domestic labour; the burden of household chores falls under women’s shoulders, and it is not divided between family members, which creates pressure on women [17]. With many people living under the same roof, women generally take on household chores as well as childcare since the conventional structure, role stress and role allocation can go unmanaged and satisfactory, leading to difficulties in the form of hostility and anxiety [6].
According to Statista April 2020, 59 % of adults engaged in household chores due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown across India in April 2020 [18].
During the pandemic, especially mothers spent more time caring for their children and doing household work. Women reported being less happy to the extent that they spent more time doing household work than males [19]
Domestic violence is seen as a family problem. Even the authorities are known to fall into this. The excuses were made to the perpetrators, and the victims were expected to move on. Prison-like movement restrictions have exacerbated this during the lockdown [19].
Globally, as more people stay home than ever due to pandemic-related measures and lockdowns, the need for housework and family care has multiplied. Tasks like cooking, shopping, and cleaning, mainly to prevent infection, take longer than ever. The burden of household chores falls under women’s shoulders and is not divided between family members, which creates pressure on women. One woman reported with tears in her eyes, “My husband's family compelling me to do all household chores, and I have to look after my differently abled child. I could not manage all the things alone. My husband does not like what I am cooking.”
With many people living under the same roof, women generally take on household chores and childcare. It became evident from the narrative of one participant, “It is challenging to do all household work while working from home. I have to take care of my child because of school is closed.”
Women could not manage “work from home” and “work from home”. The lockdown exacerbated domestic labour for women and the unequal division of parenting responsibilities and household chores. A woman narrated, “My mother-in-law and husband scolded me for not doing all household chores, and if I couldn’t complete any work, my husband slaps me.” Another woman reported, “My husband always blamed me for everything for my sleeping pattern, the way I am doing household chores and caring my child.”
3.4 Victims are forced to stay with Perpetrators
One of the first indicators of less happy marriages is the rising incidence of domestic violence. Under normal circumstances, victims of violence would be able to stay away and go to safer places, but the lockdown made them more vulnerable. Underreporting of domestic and other violence is inherently complex in data collection and response, with less than 40% of female victims of violence seeking help of any kind and less than 10% of women seeking help from the police. The Existing circumstances make reporting even more difficult, including limited access to phones and helplines by women and girls and disruptions to public services such as police, justice and social services. These interruptions can also affect the care and support victims need, such as clinical management of rape, mental health, and psychosocial support. They also create punishment for the perpetrator. In many countries, the law is not on the side of women; one in four countries does not have a special law protecting women from domestic violence [20].
3.5 The perpetrator watching every move
COVID lockdown restricted freedom of movement for all. The Perpetrator and victims were forced to stay under the same roof during the pandemic. These situations lead to a condition wherein the continuous presence of the perpetrator was there with the victim. One woman said, “My husband was always in the house and watching my every move.” The perpetrator was continuously watching every move of the victim, and the victims were unable to come out with the situation. Victims could not access different support systems and redressal mechanisms due to this condition. “My husband came back from the Gulf. During lockdown, he started to doubt and control me from everything.”
3.6 The Perpetrator using the situation for harassment
Perpetrators and victims were forced to stay under the same roof. The perpetrator had many opportunities to note all actions and activities performed by the victim. The perpetrator uses this opportunity to note even the smallest actions for harassing the victims. The ready presence of the victim is also a contributing factor; this leads to anxiety and depression. Every night my husband used to blame me. He will keep remembering all the old things and connect with everyday things and verbally abusing me.
3.7 Without Accessing Different Domestic Violence (DV) Preventing Mechanisms
The loneliness of female victims could not be stressful enough. Common support structures such as hospitals, police, government welfare organizations, dedicated phone lines, government-run foster homes, one-stop crisis centres, support teams legal, and the security guards were inactive or busy with duties related to COVID-19[21]
As health and other support services, including sexual and reproductive health services, are cut, women experiencing violence may have fewer opportunities to receive support and referrals from the industry. Other essential support services such as helplines, crisis centres, shelters, and legal aid services may also be cut, reducing access to support for women living in abusive relationships[7].
Victims also reported that they were unable to use mobile phones, and their children for online classes used the phones. When they can access the phones, at that time their husband will be present. This situation leads to unable to use smart phones or mobile phones to communicate and reach out to the tertiary support mechanism. One woman reported, “I could not contact any helpline numbers because my daughter is using my phone for her online class; the rest of the time, my husband will be with me, so I cannot speak to anyone to register my complaints.”
Another woman narrated, “I am trapped in this house, I am unable to make phone calls and make complaints against my husband and his family.” Yet another woman reported, “I do not want to stay at my in-laws. I want to stay away from this home because my husband’s family is torturing me mentally, but I cannot go anywhere.”
In many countries, hotlines, crisis centres, sheltered shelters, legal aid, and essential social services have been reduced or closed due to infection control measures. Survivors of violence have less access to protective services during quarantine. While there is a growing need for access to support services, even access to the justice system is difficult [11]. Many victims fear being overheard or prevented from leaving their homes by an abusive partner, so they use text and email to ask for help [22].
3.8 Lower Socio-Economic Condition
Women who belong to lower socio-economic conditions cannot afford smartphones to access websites such as ‘Aparajitha’ and ‘Jagratha’, further if they have access also, they do not know how to use the websites and WhatsApp numbers dedicated to domestic violence victims. Some of the women do not know how to use smartphones. One woman narrated, “I am using my neighbor’s phone to tell my complaint. My husband used to beat me in every night, and he asked for money.”
Another issue is women's access to money and sometimes cell phones. If there is only one phone in the house, it belongs to the man in the house, and because of that, they couldn't call for help [21].
3.9 Unable To Reach Out To People Who Can Help
Domestic abusers may also restrict access to money or health-related items such as hand sanitiser, soap, medicine, and access to medical services. Disruption of social networks and protection networks can exacerbate intimate partner violence and its consequences [7].
Women may have less contact with family and friends who support them and protect them from partner violence. Vandals can further restrict access to psychosocial services, as well as help and support from formal and informal networks [7]. The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions induced Corona blues among people. There was a complete restriction on people's mobility. This situation has led to victims being unable to reach out to the secondary support system like friends and relatives who could listen to them and provide counsel. One woman narrated, “My in-laws and husband are controlling my phone usage, and I cannot contact even my parents.”
Many times women confide in another mature relative like a sister-in-law, aunt, or even her own friends; these people provide them a shoulder and compassionate ear and counsel. Such support networks help them to make decisions and maintain their mental health to decide how to deal with situations. However, the lockdown restrictions created a hollow of this secondary support. A woman reported that she was “Unable to meet friends, unable to share anything, now I am feeling very lonely.” One another woman narrated, “I used to share everything with my cousin. Due to travel restrictions, I could not do that. So I am feeling very sad.”
3.10 Unable To Reach Out To Tertiary Mechanism
Tertiary mechanisms like family support centres, NGOs, and police stations were not reachable partly because of movement restrictions and partly because of the proximity of centres. The women who sought help from family, police stations, and women’s support centres had crucial points during the lockdown. They could not reach these places. A woman narrates, “My husband is a drunkard. If he creates a problem, I used to go for help from Anganwadi teacher and ward member. Nevertheless, due to lockdown restrictions, I am not getting support.” Another woman reported, “Due to lockdown, I can’t register my domestic violence complaint in the police station, as I am unable to travel and reach the police station.”
The availability of services, particularly specialised domestic violence services (like shelters) and related assistance (like counselling), was significantly disrupted by COVID-19. "The DV shelters are all full!" is a common forum post comment [24].
A female victim narrated that "The shelter will not take or release people during COVID" (female victim, U.S.A.), and "Shelters are at capacity. Everything is in lockdown because of COVID-19 [24].
3.11 Women wanted restitution rather than complaining
Some women only need restitution; they are not willing to register complaint against their abusive partner. They were looking for a mechanism that could help them remove the victimisation and allow them to live in the same house. The women were more concerned about their children; victim blaming attitude from society, isolation from friends and family, embarrassment, and economic dependency are the main reasons for staying in abusive relationships. It was clear from the woman's narrative, “I need someone to talk to my husband because he is always scolding me and my children and demanding money from me. I want to live here, but I do not want this victimisation.”
3.12 The Problems due to the lockdown
"One thing that makes violence worse is the idea of social distancing. It makes people believe they cannot interfere in other people's affairs. You have to stay away from people, and there is no way to approach this isolation, which has made things even worse.” [21]
The term "social distancing," which the World Health Organization later suggested being replaced with "physical distancing," has become extremely popular since the release of COVID-19. Being isolated from others can negatively affect one's emotional and physical health because humans are social animals. However, due to the lack of treatment and the high number of COVID-19 patients who were asymptomatic, rigorous recommendations for and enforcement of quarantine (for exposed and healthy persons) and isolation (for sick individuals) were made, comparable to the SARS viral outbreak [24].
The fear of catching the coronavirus and uncertainty about the future has caused stress and anxiety in most people. This anxiety is sometimes displaced and directed towards the spouse, which worsens the marital relationship. A woman reported, “My husband is afraid of catching the coronavirus. He is always staying at home, not giving any individual space for me, and always interfering with my work.” Another woman narrated, “As a woman, I do not know how to make space and time for myself. I am feeling completely trapped at home”
The female victim of the United States stated, “I was hoping to leave before the pandemic hit, but now I am stuck here." Other people were getting ready to leave as the area was under lockdown. Another woman stated, “I have been contacting houses to move into" and "I am thinking time to make an escape plan, I am trying to find a way out"[23].
Men do not go to work or lose their jobs during this period, leading to poverty, frustration and violence. Not only men but women also lose their jobs during this time, which further increases the possibility of abuse [17]. Disruption of livelihoods and earning capacity reduces access to basic needs and services, leading to additional stress [7].
Fear of losing a job or a salary reduction has induced anxiety in many people. One woman reported, “I resigned from my job because of my husband. He monitors me continuously and shows suspicious behavior towards me while I work from home.”
Nevertheless, another woman reported, “My husband lost his Gulf job, and he is trying hard to get a new job in our native place. However, he is losing opportunities due to lockdown and remains angry and scolding me and children.”
3.13 Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is one of the main forms of domestic violence. In India, physical abuse after marriage, such as choking, slapping, and pulling hair, are considered normal. Lockdown restrictions, difficulty in accessing essential services and stress due to marital disharmony, job insecurity, financial problems, male control and aggressive behavior pave the way to increased physical abuse towards women. A woman reported, “My husband drinks daily and beats me up and pulls my hair in front of my children.”
A woman reported that during the lockdown, the intensity and frequency of physical abuse increased. She narrated, “My husband’s behavior has become worse now. He lost his job and demanded dowry from my parents, and when I denied him, he used to hurt me physically.”
Yet another woman reported, “While working from home, my husband would get drinks and, in a state of intoxication, lose his control and throw things in anger.”
Alcohol as a mood enhancer is directly correlated with feelings of anger, frustration, and irritation. Some alcoholic husbands do not drink during this time and, out of frustration, abuse women in intimate relationships [17]. A man's sense of the need to agree to gender norms can be exacerbated by substance abuse, thus shifting the focus to women. This then turned to violence. Due to women's vulnerability, the endless loop can continue from woman to progeny, additional strength from the family of origin, the expected normality of the procreation family, and the difficulty of accessing and providing legal aid services add to the problems [25].
3.14 The Controlling Behavior, Denying Freedom of Movement
The government has imposed quarantines and other travel restrictions, including widespread lockdowns, closures of shops, public spaces and facilities, orders to isolate infected people, and enforced voluntary social distancing.
Men used to control women behind closed doors because of their suspicious thoughts due to stress and anxiety. The Women were forced to separate from loved ones and various resources; it became evident from one woman’s narrative, “My husband never allows me to go outside of the home during the lockdown. My parental home is in Next Street only. But my husband says, if you love me, stay with me always.” Another evident aspect was that the controlling behavior of the husbands extended to control even the social life of the women, which became evident with the narrative of an educated lady, “My husband always has doubt about me and checks all my social media accounts. I am losing my privacy and social life also.”
3.15 The Frustration due to joblessness
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the spread of the coronavirus would put more than 25 million jobs at risk worldwide. In the 3.3 billion-strong global labor force, it is estimated that complete or partial workplace closures currently impact 81% of workers [26].
According to a report by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). The corresponding last figure before the lockdown was 404 million. This demonstrates that 119 million workers have lost their jobs during the two-week shutdown period. Approximately one-third (60 million households or 300 million people) of India's population or households could face a severe livelihood crisis. Approximately 227 million households are in despair if we assume that half of those who have lost their jobs are the main or sole earning family members of an average of 5-member family size (as per census 2011) households[26].
“Some days, I stand for hours, but nobody comes to hire, and I return home where my transportation money gets wasted. But I do not have the option to sit at home or hope for a salaried job like earlier. I have to feed my parents, wife, and two kids, pay rent and keep them happy with whatever I can earn.”(25 years old man) [27]
Women who cannot work in this crisis must balance “work from home” and “work for home”. Family perceptions can influence their work habits; additional family responsibilities and conflict can lead to discord. Many people may face a financial crisis, reducing their autonomy within their respective families [6]
Many men and women lost their jobs or reduced salaries during the COVID pandemic, leading to an economic crisis in families. This led to an increase in stress and induced violence against women. A narrative woman explains these phenomena: “My husband lost his job, and we have a financial crisis now. All his stress is due to the income loss he is showing towards me.”
Low livelihood opportunities and reduced access to basic needs and services lead to additional pressure to run the family. Jobless increased availability of spare time, and inability to constructively use time led to anxiety and frustration.