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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence in Tunisia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 August 2021

S. Sediri
Affiliation:
Psychiatry A Department, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
Y. Zgueb*
Affiliation:
Psychiatry A Department, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
A. Aissa
Affiliation:
Psychiatry A Department, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
U. Ouali
Affiliation:
Psychiatry A Department, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
F. Nacef
Affiliation:
Psychiatry A Department, Razi Hospital, Manouba, Tunisia
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

Violence against women is a public health problem worldwide. During humanitarian crises such as wars, violence expands mainly to the detriment of the most vulnerable groups.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the effect of the COVID-19-related lockdown on gender-based violence.

Methods

This study was conducted using an online survey, between April 25 and May 6, 2020. Women were asked about sociodemographic information, lockdown conditions, history involving exposure to violence before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and its types.

Results

The number of included participants was 751. The age ranged from 18 to 69 years. Violence against women increased significantly during the lockdown (from 4.4 to 14.8%; p < 0.001). Psychological abuse was the most frequent type of violence (96%). Almost 90% (n = 98) of those who experienced violence during the lockdown did not seek assistance. Women who had experienced abuse before the lockdown were at an increased risk of violence during lockdown (p < 0.001; OR = 19.34 [8.71–43.00]).

Conclusions

Strengthening strategies to protect women during periods of crisis is urgent. However, a change in mentalities would take more time to set up. Violence against women necessitates a fundamental long-term struggle and practical intervention strategies.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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