Fears domestic abuse will worsen in Victoria’s second lockdown

Family violence workers fear the abuse suffered by women and children in locked down suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will worsen in the weeks ahead.

Domestic abuse of women is expected to worsen during Melbourne’s second lockdown.

Concerning new research by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that sexual, physical and emotional abuse of women became more severe and frequent during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Family violence workers fear a “second wave” of abuse will occur in homes in lockdown.

The research surveyed 15, 000 women on their experiences of domestic violence by a current or former partner in the three months to May.

More than a fifth of women living with their partner had experienced emotionally abusive, harassing and controlling behaviours.

Many reported the pandemic had coincided with the onset or escalation of abuse.

Family violence workers fear women and children could be victimised in a “second wave” of increased violence while in lockdown.

Of the women who suffered sexual or physical violence, 65 per cent said it was for the first time or that the violence had become more severe and frequent.

The most common forms were pushing, grabbing or shoving (71 per cent), having things thrown at them, slapping, biting, kicking or hitting (52 per cent) and sexual violence (47 per cent).

More than half of the women who experienced three or more forms of coercive controlling behaviours reported it was for the first time or had escalated during the pandemic.

The survey also found many women, particularly those victim to the most serious forms of abuse, wanted to seek help but couldn’t out of fear for their safety.

Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said COVID-19 crisis was amplifying abuse for victims.

“We’re deeply concerned for women and their children in the restricted areas in Victoria,” Ms Kinnersly said.

Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly. Picture Gary Ramage

“Lockdowns do result in an increase in women being abused by a partner or ex-partner, and in men using different and sometimes more severe forms of violence.”

The abuse is not just occurring in homes, with a massive spike in revenge porn and other online forms of abuse.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner recorded more than 1000 reports of image-based abuse from March to May – an increase of 210 per cent.

Increased social isolation, financial stress, alcohol consumption and perpetrators feeling “out of control” were identified as contributing factors to abuse.

Ms Kinnersly said stress caused by the pandemic should never excuse men’s violence and that those who choose to perpetrate held disrespectful views about women prior to the crisis.

“The pandemic has led to an increase in violence, both within Victorian and nationally, and it is also exacerbating the underlying gender inequalities that drive this violence in the first place,” Ms Kinnersly said.

She urged everyone to look out for each other during the lockdown and ensure the safety of women and children remains a top priority.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.

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@AneekaSimonis