COVID-19 and domestic violence

Published: May 26, 2020, 10:05 a.m.

This COVID-19 lockdown period heightens the risk of domestic violence. Perpetrators as well as victims are more invisible. And while help is still available, accessing it is more difficult. Bystanders like friends and neighbours now have a bigger role to play. Support services are reporting a significant rise in the number of cases, and the acts are becoming more violent in this time of crisis. So how to keep domestic violence ‘in view’? How can accountability be maintained?