Exploring the impacts of Covid-19 on domestic violence perpetration and victimisation are explored, while examining the implications for policy and practice with regards to all aspects of prevention and presecution.
Researchers
Research background
Figures suggest that the prevalence of domestic violence offences increased dramatically during the recent Lockdown imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, with police forces across the UK registering higher arrest rates than for equivalent time periods in previous years, and domestic violence support organisations receiving far more calls than usual.
We are currently conducting a range of inter-related studies exploring perceptions and experiences of domestic violence during Lockdown in the UK, considering a range of perspectives and working with those involved in various capacities.
Throughout this research, the impacts of Covid-19 on domestic violence perpetration and victimisation are explored, and implications for policy and practice with regards to prevention, protection, policing, and prosecution are considered.
Research aims
Collectively, this research aims to capture experiences of domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic (in the different stages of Lockdown imposed nationally) to facilitate an understanding of the nature and context of this violence, in order to inform policy and practice with regards to the protection of victims and provision of support.
Research methods
A range of methods are being employed, including interviews and focus groups, as well surveys and secondary data analysis.
Projected outcomes
This research has implications for the development and reform of policy and practice with regards to tackling and preventing domestic violence and supporting victims of abuse, both during future periods of lockdown or restriction, as well as more generally.