FACT BRIEF

Has there recently been a worldwide rise in violence against women?

Tuesday, March 9, 2021

By Lisa Freedland

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YES

Violence against women appears to have increased around the world since the coronavirus pandemic began in early 2020.

A 2020 literature review conducted by the Center for Global Development, a think tank focused on global economic issues, looked at 30 studies examining the incidence of violence against women. The studies were conducted in countries including the U.S., Argentina, Uganda, India and Bangladesh, and collected data in different ways, from conducting interviews with participants to keeping track of calls made to domestic violence helplines. Just under half of the studies noted a clear increase in violence against women and approximately 30% saw mixed results, indicating an increase in at least one measure.

Data released by the United Nations shows that calls to domestic violence helplines have increased fivefold in some countries since the coronavirus outbreak began.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

Sources

Center for Global Development COVID-19 and violence against women and children—A second research round-up

UN Women Facts and figures—Ending violence against women

New England Journal of Medicine A pandemic within a pandemic—Intimate partner violence during COVID-19

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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.