Domestic Violence and COVID-19: The 2020 Lockdown in the European Union

Research related to IMPROVE

This book, as part of the book series “SpringerBriefs in Criminology”, compiles data and expert interviews on the impact of Covid-19 measures on domestic violence (DV) in eight European Member States during the first lockdown. It addresses the ongoing situation, complicated by renewed lockdowns in late 2020. The brief assesses the assumptions of a DV surge against reliable data from crime statistics, surveys, and DV response institutions. Partner reports from Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Scotland, and Slovenia demonstrate the effects of lockdown measures on reported DV incidents. It considers country-specific differences in policing, legal systems, and cultural factors, highlighting best practices to prevent Covid-19 lockdowns from undermining victims' security and responders' capacities.

Editors: Joachim Kersten, Michele Burman, Jarmo Houtsonen, Paul Herbinger, Norbert Leonhardmair

Goal: Provides comparative analyses of domestic violence during COVID-19 pandemic. Demonstrates close research cooperation with law enforcement organizations with practice-oriented results. Draws finding from various responders to domestic violence, including law enforcement and courts.

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