Behind Closed Doors: Women Experiencing Rising Family Violence Amidst COVID-19 Lockdown In Ghana

Abstract

This study examined family violence cases during the coronavirus lockdown in Ghana. The study adopted an explanatory design and gathered quantitative data using a questionnaire from 159 women who lived with their spouses or intimate partners. The study also conducted focus group discussions to gather qualitative data. Results showed that 41% of respondents suffered sexual violence, 27% experienced psychological violence and 32% experienced to physical violence. The finding showed that social isolation, loss of jobs, and boredom, which are consequences of lockdown, breed frustration in men, expressed through abusive behaviors towards women. The study recommended strengthening research and planning on novel diseases, providing temporary living arrangements for victims and those at risk of family violence, mechanisms for reporting suspected and actual abuse, and enforcement of pandemic surveillance and emergency preparedness plan. The study concluded with the optimism that the findings would stimulate further research on pandemic management and family violence.