Domestic violence amid the COVID-19 lockdown: a threat to individual safety

The lockdown measure in Nigeria has been effective in reducing COVID-19 transmission, with the closure of schools, restricted movements, and recommended homestays. In spite of these benefits, the COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in varying levels of distress among individuals. This letter-to-the-editor aimed to describe the prevalence of domestic violence amid the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as strategies for reducing its effects. The social, economic, and financial distress experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown period between March and July, 2020 has increased the prevalence of domestic violence. The financial difficulty associated with the lockdown has been known to precipitate stress and frustration, and subsequent negative coping mechanisms such as substance abuse and depression; all of which are baseline triggers for domestic violence. Domestic violence could result in impaired mental health states and internet addiction among vulnerable population groups especially women and adolescents. To abate these and other untold consequences of the COVID-19 lockdown, we recommend that support systems, such as counselling and psychotherapy sessions, should be instituted for victims of violence, while legislation are implemented for justice to be served to the perpetrators of violence. Also, social safety nets such as food and cash supply should be provided to low-income members of the population to overcome the economic burden which may culminate in violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic.