No Lockdown for Domestic Violence during COVID-19: A Systematic Review for the Implication of Mental-Well Being

Abstract

Since the alarming situation of the COVID-19 pandemic the devastating character in spheres like suicide, domestic violence, mental disorders, anxiety, and depressive disorders are increasing worldwide. Domestic violence against women and girls particularly has intensified. This systematic review paper examines the reasons behind the surge in the domestic violence during COVID 19 and recommends interventional strategy for mental well-being. The online databases Google Scholar, PROQUEST, PubMed, and Science Direct were systematically reviewed for studies focused on domestic violence during COVID 19. The search covered the period till August 2020. A total of 18 publications met the inclusion criteria. The results have shown that the pandemic is one of the major factors for surge in domestic violence. Other causes are economic crisis, forced lockdown, fear of having disease, unemployment, congested houses and limited source of facilities for victims. The most common type of violence in number of publications identified was violence on women whether married, unmarried, working or non-working. It is concluded that mental and physical health practitioners execute the suggested implementation program nationwide to facilitate victims of domestic violence for better well-being. Moreover the government should take strict actions to stop the surge of cases in this regard.