Istanbul Gelisim University - Coronavirus raised domestic violence worldwide

Coronavirus raised domestic violence worldwide

Noting that domestic violence has increased due to coronavirus pandemic worldwide, Lect. Mehmet Başcıllar said: “According to the researches, it is stated that there is an increase of 200 percent in cases of domestic violence in China, where coronavirus first appeared, compared to the same month of the previous year, and approximately 50 percent in Brazil.”

Mehmet Başcıllar, Lecturer at Istanbul Gelisim University the Department of Social Work, pointed out that domestic violence has increased after the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak worldwide.

Stating that a significant portion of the world's population has to spend their time at home due to the coronavirus outbreak, Başcıllar said: “Researches indicate that domestic violence increases during crisis periods such as natural disasters, wars and pandemics. Staying home for a long time has severe effects on individuals' mental health, such as depression, stress and anger. These mental effects can be a trigger in the attitudes and behaviors involving physical, sexual, and psychological violence. Psychosocial effects of pandemic diseases on individuals are also reflected in researches. A study of 1692 participants in South Korea found that staying at home for a long time due to the pandemic caused anxiety and anger. In another study conducted with 129 participants who isolated themselves from the pandemic in Canada, it was stated that the rate of post-traumatic stress disorder increased with the long isolation period. It is stated that there is an increase of 200 percent in domestic violence cases in China, where the coronavirus first appeared, compared to the same month of the previous year, and approximately 50 percent in Brazil.”

Stating that the Ministry of Family Labor and Social Services has important responsibilities in tackling all aspects of domestic violence, Başcıllar said: “It is more important than ever for the phone number 183 line to provide preventive services during this pandemic. The ministry needs to take full advantage of technology in services to vulnerable population groups.”

Lecturer Mehmet Başcıllar said as follows:

“It is necessary to employ social service specialists in the planned committee for Social Sciences in Turkey, and the committee needs to shape social policies on tackling domestic violence in this outbreak period. Undoubtedly, Violence Prevention and Monitoring Centers established all over the country need to perform digital transformation. Of course, in addition to the policy making process, it is extremely important to employ professionals who provide online services.”