This research investigates the surge in crime against women amid the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on India and other countries. Beyond the evident global health threat, the pandemic has cast a grim shadow by intensifying gender-based violence. This abstract critically analyzes the connection between the pandemic and the escalation of such violence.
The COVID-19[1] crisis has not only adversely affected physical health but has also exacerbated existing social inequalities, disproportionately impacting women and amplifying their vulnerability. This abstract examines the concerning upswing in crimes against women during this period.
It probes into the intricate interplay of factors driving this increase:
1. Escalated social isolation and confinement.
2. Economic hardships.
3. Disrupted access to justice.
Furthermore, this abstract sheds light on emerging trends and patterns in this distressing phenomenon, emphasizing specific manifestations such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and online harassment. It highlights the evolving dynamics of these forms of violence and their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, particularly women facing intersecting discrimination. The objective is to raise awareness about this critical issue and amplify the voices of women survivors.
Keywords: COVID-19, Crime against women, gender – based violence, shadow pandemic, social isolation, education hardship, access to justice.
INTRODUCTION
The advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic cast a profound and far-reaching shadow, with consequences extending beyond the direct threat to physical health. Among the myriad impacts, a concerning surge in sexual violence against women emerged, compounding the challenges faced by societies worldwide.
Globally, violence against women constitutes a pervasive crisis, affecting approximately one in three women who have experienced some form of sexual violence during their lifetimes. This grim statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and concerted efforts to address and mitigate the prevalence of such violence on a global scale (World Health Organization, 2021).
Amidst this darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges as governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and communities unite to tackle this pervasive issue. Collaborative initiatives have been undertaken to provide support for survivors, empower women economically, and enhance access to justice. This concerted effort reflects a shared commitment to creating a safer and more equitable environment for women globally (UN Women, 2020).
In the ensuing sections, this paper delves into the multifaceted aspects of the surge in sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the global landscape and exploring the collaborative strategies implemented by stakeholders to address and alleviate this critical issue.
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic, initially a health crisis, cast a profound and enduring shadow, unveiling a parallel global tragedy—violence against women, termed the ‘shadow pandemic.’ Factors such as social isolation, economic hardship, disrupted support systems, and heightened stress created a perfect storm for increased violence. In response, a global movement emerged, uniting governments, NGOs, and communities to strengthen support systems, empower women economically, and raise awareness, addressing the surge in violence against women during this challenging period.
There are so many factors which combined to create a perfect storm for violence is:
- Social isolation
- Economic hardship
- Disrupted support systems
- Increased stress and anxiety
The shadow of pandemic was a global movement to address violence against women. Government, NGO’s and communities came together to:
- Strengthen support system
- Empower women
- Raise awareness
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
This study aims to comprehensively examine the ‘shadow pandemic’ – the surge in crime against women during the COVID-19 era. The primary objectives are as follows:
1. To Assessing Global Impact: Investigate the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the global rise in crime against women.
2. To Identifying Specific Crime Types: Identify specific types of crimes against women that have experienced an upswing during the pandemic, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and online harassment.
3. To Analyzing Contributing Factors: Analyze the complex interplay of contributing factors, including social isolation, economic hardship, and disrupted support systems, that have fueled the increase in crimes against women.
4. To Examining Differential Impact: Examine how the ‘shadow pandemic’ has differential impacted women from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Through these objectives, the study seeks to contribute valuable insights into the multifaceted dimensions of the ‘shadow pandemic’ and inform future interventions and policies for the protection and well-being of women globally.
METHODOLOGY
This research uses a qualitative research method that combines a literature review with an analysis of shadow pandemic and its impact on rise of crime against women. The methodology includes the following steps:
Literature Review: Thoroughly research academic journals, conference proceedings, books and other relevant publications to determine the crime against women in covid-19.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS:
Draw broad conclusions and identify gaps and difficulties, compare the results of literature review, legal framework analysis and case studies. Make recommendations for the shadow pandemic rise in crime against women in covid-19. The study uses this technique to give a complete understanding crime against women in covid-19. Paper conclusions and the recommendations contribute to the ongoing debate on crime against women in covid-19.
OVERVIEW OF CRIME AGAINST WOMEN IN COVID-19
The shadow pandemic
The covid-19[2] pandemic, given many challenges to global health, and also affected the lives of people and came with a dark shadow over the lives of many women. The shadow was termed as the ‘shadow pandemic’ and seen the increase in violence against women during the time of covid-19 lockdown, economic hardship, and social isolation were the main reasons of crime against women. While understanding the shadow pandemic we can see that when the lockdown were called many women faced abusive homes, isolating them from support and making escape difficult. There was a economic situation people losses job and because of financial hardship arises tension and stress within families, this created fertile ground for violence. There were disrupted support which resulted overburden in support services and limited access to legal aid further marginalized vulnerable women. Because of these it impacted on mental health the overall anxiety and stresses of the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues and contributed to violation.
It is not about the statistics that how many women are affected by shadow pandemic it is all about the real life experiences of women who faced the trauma and hardship during the time when the needed the support they are facing such an issues in life.
United Nations called the situation a shadow pandemic in a 2021 report about 13 nations faced the problem of domestic violence and crime against women in 13 nations there were Africa, Asia, South America, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans.
The UN estimates that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual damage in their life mainly by an intimate partner (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 2021)[3]. The estimate global cost of violence against women is around US$1.5 trillion, approx 2% of the world gross domestic product (GDP) ( UN Women, 2020)[4].
ISSUE
When the pandemic was started it was came with a dark shadow of rise in crime against women it was featured that around one of three women worldwide came in impact of physical and sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner. Violence against women is a human rights violation.
When the data and reports of outbreak of covid-19 came it was shown that all types of violence were faced during the pandemic by women and girls particularly domestic violence has seen more.
This is a shadow pandemic growing the covid-19 crisis and we need a global collective effort to stop it. As the cases of covid-19 were increased gradually and were continued to strain health services, essential services.
THE IMPACT OF RISE IN CRIME AGAINST WOMEN DURING THE COVID -19 ‘SHADOW PANDEMIC’
The damaging impact of the shadow pandemic: crime against women during covid-19.
There was a rise in violation against women during covid-19 it was a damaging impact on lives of communities and societies across the globe. The impact was like it has leaved deep impact on lives and given physical damage, emotional, social, and economic damage as well.
It was seen that in the year between 2014 and 2019 the estimate percentage of women who suffered from crime and sexual violence was fell from 39.9% to 32.7% in Africa and in America it was 32.1% to 31.7% however when the pandemic came it extended to 45.19% in 2019.
There was a rapid increase in crime against women in the reports it was seen that 30% violence was increased in France and in Argentina 25% violence was increased and people called at help lines in Cyprus and Singapore, respectively.
IMMEDIATE AND DIRECT IMPACT
- PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH TRAUMA:
When the pandemic was going women were facing several physical injuries, emotional stress, anxiety, depression because of rise of crime against women.
- LOSS OF SAFETY AND SECURITY:
When these entire pandemic was going homes which should be sanctuaries became unsafe havens and women were trapping in a fear and abuse.
- ECONOMIC HARDSHIP:
Because when lockdown were called the people were at their homes and they have faced the problems of financial loss because there are so many people who earn on daily wages and some people were out of homes.
- LIMITED ACCESS TO SUPPORT:
Because of Lockdown there were so many problems which interrupted the events and support systems created barriers for people for reaching vital resources like shelters, hotline, and legal aid.
RIPPLE EFFETS ON FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIE:
- DISRUPTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT:
When people were at their homes they use to fight and the children’s are witness of violence and can be affected by the emotional and psychologically and it can be distract them from studies and takes them to do crime.
- FRACTURED FAMILY DYNAMICS:
The violence is like that it damages the relationships between partners, parents, and children, straining family structures.
- ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES:
When the pandemic was going on there was economic consequences arrived like increase in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and reduced community participation in economic development.
- EROSION OF TRUST AND SOCIAL COHESION:
There was a fear and stigma violence in the surroundings and erode the trust of the people from which people are not trusting there community and created a climate of silence.
LONG – TERM SOCIETAL REPERCUSSIONS:
- PERPETUATION OF GENDER INEQUALITY:
When people were at homes there was an increase in violence seen reinforces harmful gender norms and undermines women’s empowerment efforts.
- BARRIERS TO EDUCATION AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT:
Fear and trauma are two things which may be impede women’s ability to pursue education and career opportunities of women.
- REDUCED CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATION:
Because of pandemic it caused a fear and vulnerability in public life and stopped the participation of women in decision making processes.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
The rise of crime against women during the shadow pandemic has significant legal implications across various aspects:
- EXISTING LEGAL FRAMEWORKS:
- Inadequate of laws: In some laws may not surround from violence like online harassment or cyber bulling.
- Uneven enforcement: There are various implications and enforcement varies across jurisdiction, leaving gaps in women protection.
- Access to justice: Lack of legal aid. Difficult legal procedures, Stigma can prevent women from seeking legal resources.
- Inadequate penalties: For perpetrators. Punishments that do not adequately reflect the gravity of the offense.
- ENFORCEMENT AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE:
- Challenges: Implications and enforcement can vary across jurisdiction leading to uneven protection for women. Barriers like lack of legal aid, difficult legal procedure etc.
- Improvements: Strengthening laws enforcement training on gender based violence, simplifying legal procedure etc.
- Legal Reforms:
- Expansion of Scope: Recognizing new forms of violence as criminal offenses, including cyber bullying and stalking, can provide better legal tools to protect women.
- Enhanced Protection for Vulnerable Groups: Specific legal protections for marginalized women, like those with disabilities or facing cultural barriers, are crucial to address their unique vulnerabilities
REPORTS AND DATA OF CRIME AGAINST WOMEN IN PANDEMIC
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed preexisting inequalities in families and society, amplifying structural factors contributing to domestic violence. The UN Secretary General urged Member States, including India, to prioritize ‘Women’s Safety’ by incorporating gender-responsive measures into their COVID-19 response plans, gaining support from 140 countries.
Since there is no comprehensive disaggregated national data available on violence against women and girls, including domestic and intimate partner violence during this period, reliance is placed on information provided by the National Commission for Women (NCW) and reports from women’s groups. This data is also cited in media references.
- The National Commission for Women (NCW)[5], responsible for addressing violence against women nationwide, observed a more than twofold surge in complaints following the imposition of lockdown. In the first week of March, 116 complaints were received, escalating to 257 in the last week of March after the lockdown declaration, with 69 pertaining to domestic violence. Cases related to the “right to live with dignity” also doubled from 35 to 77, covering issues of gender, class, or caste discrimination[6]. Between April and May, NCW recorded 3027 complaints across 22 crime categories against women, with 47.2% (1428 cases) involving domestic and intimate partner violence. In comparison, January to March 2020 had 4233 complaints, including 871 cases (20.6% of the total) of domestic violence and intimate partner violence[7].
- Information gathered by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) through 28 State Legal Services (SLAs) reveals a rise in domestic violence cases amid the lockdown, with the National Capital ranking third in this data. In April, 89% of the overall registered violence cases were attributed to domestic violence.
- Information collected by specific women’s groups and Civil Society Organizations, actively delivering essential services during and after the lockdown, indicates that in the initial four phases of the lockdown, women submitted a greater number of online domestic violence complaints compared to a corresponding time frame in the past decade[8].
HELPLINES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT
- On March 25[9], the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) released its advisories. Additionally, advisories were issued to One Stop Centres, the 181 Women Helpline, and various institutional bodies implementing legislation related to women’s safety (Protection Officers and service providers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005,
- Women’s groups established extra help lines with enhanced accessibility and extended operating hours, widely disseminated for public awareness[10]. A Women’s Organization in New Delhi observed a decrease in calls for assistance from women survivors of violence during the early weeks of the national lockdown, dropping from an average of 7-8 new calls per day to 1-2. Yet, with civil society and women’s networks promoting a comprehensive list of organizations offering support throughout the lockdown, the numbers increased to 77 new calls in April and 115 in May[11].
- In April, the National Commission for Women introduced a dedicated WhatsApp helpline number (0721-7735372) for women seeking assistance, complementing the already operational email and online complaint mechanisms. Various states also undertook additional initiatives:
- Uttar Pradesh, among the first states, initiated messaging on domestic violence through the 112- emergency helpline. They prominently featured the message, “Suppress corona, not your voice,” and committed to assigning a female officer to handle each gender-based violence case.
- Ranchi, Jharkhand’s District Administration launched two helpline numbers to offer legal counselling for women affected by domestic violence.
- The Kerala Government introduced a 24-hour WhatsApp number (9400080292) for reporting domestic violence cases during the lockdown in the state.
- In response to a High Court order, the Delhi Government introduced a dedicated WhatsApp number. The Delhi High Court, on April 24, mandated both the Delhi Government and the Central Government to ensure the efficient enforcement of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, considering the surge in domestic violence cases during the lockdown[12].
- The Domestic Violence Act in India grants women the entitlement to residency, necessitating the removal of perpetrators. In Pune, the Panchayat transported the offenders to the Quarantine Centre to safeguard the well-being of the affected women and their children[13].
- Government-operated shelter facilities are active but significantly overcrowded and ill-equipped to handle the escalating crisis. As per the Press Information Bureau (PIB), there are currently about 559 shelter homes accommodating 17,231 beneficiaries[14]. While these shelters are often the sole recourse for victims of violence, the current circumstances, marked by unemployment and the need for social distancing, leave women in violent situations with limited options. Living in group settings poses a risk during the pandemic, and survivors are hesitant to expose themselves to the virus in cramped shelter conditions. A recent media report from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted a situation where 171 girls share 100 beds in a shelter home, with 57 of them being infected with COVID19[15].
- Women’s groups have shared details regarding the availability and accessibility of services on their respective websites[16].
SUGGESTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There are immediate and direct needs that need to be addressed. These include: Increasing the number of emergency hotline or shelters, or safe houses for survivors or providing trauma-based counselling or mental health support or offering legal aid or helping victims navigate the justice system or training healthcare professionals or social workers to recognize and support victims.
Address Vulnerability and Inequality: Focus on interventions to support women who are underrepresented in society, such as women with disabilities, women from minority groups, or women who face cultural barriers. Provide economic empowerment programs that help women escape violence. Address Gender Inequality Address harmful gender stereotypes and economic dependency.
Prevention and Awareness: Education and public awareness campaigns challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote healthy relationships. Train bystanders to recognize and respond to signs of violence. Utilize diverse media platforms to reach different communities. Engage men and boys as allies in ending violence against women.
Technology and Innovation: Develop and utilize safe technology solutions Create mobile apps for survivors to access resources and support. Implement online reporting mechanisms for violence. Utilize technology to monitor and track cases and perpetrators.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19’s Shadow Pandemic of Violence against Women is a powerful reminder of the long-term and long-lasting effects of gender based violence. Its effects extend far beyond the physical, leaving survivors in pain, communities fractured, and a lasting threat to women’s security and justice. But there are glimmers of light in the darkness. In the midst of this pandemic, a global movement is taking the fight to the streets. By recognizing the shadow’s impact, we can start to dismantle it.
The Shadow Pandemic has left a lasting mark on the world, but the fight to bring attention to violence against women shines a bright light. By unifying our voices and harnessing the power of change, we can create a future where the shadows can fade and the light can shine, and all women can live without fear. While the legacy of the Shadow Pandemic lives on, the resilience of survivors, and the growing number of voices demanding change, serves as a powerful reminder that the shadows cannot win. Let us keep walking beside each other, supporting each other, demanding justice, and creating a future where women’s safety and equity are not dreams, but realities.
NAME: MANMEET SINGH GANDHI
COLLEGE: INDORE INSTITUTE OF LAW
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[2]COVID-19 and the Shadow Pandemic of Violence Against Women: Emerging Needs and Opportunities,” 2020.
[3]World Health Organization. (2021). Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018. Retrieved from
[4]UN Women. (2020). COVID-19 and ending violence against women and girls. Retrieved from
[5]The National Commission for Women is the apex national level organisation of India with the mandate of protecting and promoting the interests of women.
[6]The Hindu, April 02, 2020,
[7]The Times of India, June 02,2020,
[8]The Hindu, June 24,2020,
[9]The Ministry of Women and Child Development, March 25, 2020,
[10]Breakthrough India: Violence against women in the times of COVID-19, April 16, 2020,
[11]https://darmiyanblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/domestic-violence-during-covid-19-lockdown-in-india-report-by-shakti-
[12]The Leaflet, May 04,2020,
[13] The Hindustan Times, April 19, 2020,
[14] Press Information Bureau, February 09,2018,
[15] The Print, June 23, 2020,
[16] Verified Support Services for Women Facing Violence during Lockdown – National Capital Territory (NCT) of DELHI,