Page 55 - IJPS-10-1

International Journal of
Population Studies IPV during COVID-19 in Africa

distinctly separated from considerations of women’s 3.3. Economic abuse
biological composition. The COVID-19 lockdown has also impacted the economy
3.1. Prevalent IPV across different social categories and livelihood of families, with potential implications
in Africa during the COVID-19 lockdown for economic aggression resulting in GBV within the
families. One of the articles argued that the lockdown
The COVID-19 lockdown has compelled individuals to was associated with IPV in relation to the disruption
cohabit regardless of compatibility, resulting in vulnerable of women’s income generation and economic stressors
groups, especially women and children, being trapped (Fawole et al., 2021). The patriarchal nature of African
with dangerous abusers and violent partners. For instance, family settings, which subverts women’s economic
one of the reviewed articles revealed a general surge of independence or decision-making under the authority
approximately 30% in IPV cases in certain contexts (Tochie of the male partner, perpetuates and institutionalizes
et al., 2020). In other contexts, IPV cases exceeded twice economic violence against women during the lockdown.
the usual frequency, predominantly reported by women Another study described that IPV during the pandemic
who endured physical, psychosocial, sexual, and economic was more prevalent for women earning below $83 USD
abuse from intimate partners (Muluneh et al., 2020).
per month or whose intimate partner earns below this
However, as described in another study, IPV was less threshold, as well as for women experiencing unintended
prevalent in specific contexts during COVID-19 (7.2%) pregnancies during the lockdown (Tochie et al., 2020).
compared to the pre-COVID period (13.5%) (Ojeahere COVID-19 could have a negative impact on SGBV
et al., 2022). Given that the study relied on retrospective
data collected through social media, the pre-COVID IPV in South Africa due to economic disruption. In the
experiences might have been over-reported or the post- Western Cape, for instance, Parry & Gordon, 2021, argued
COVID-19 experiences under-reported, depending on that black working women are particularly at risk of
the timing of data collection. The study’s observation of experiencing IPV during the COVID-19 lockdown due
decreased IPV during the early phase of the pandemic to their poor living conditions and already compromised
further suggests the need for further interrogation of the access to health, safety, policing, and socioeconomic needs
findings. (Parry & Gordon, 2021). The study further emphasized
that women in these contexts are more vulnerable to IPV
3.2. Emotional abuse due to the structural dimensions of their contexts (Parry &
Emotional abuse holds significant consequences for Gordon, 2021).
individuals’ mental health. Psychological symptoms 3.4. An increase in IPV among minors
such as feelings of hopelessness, failure, depression, and
irritability were associated with IPV during the lockdown The COVID-19 lockdown also potentially amplifies the
(Ojeahere et al., 2022). An article assessing the impact incidence of IPV, particularly affecting minors. For instance,
of the COVID-19 lockdown on women’s mental health an article reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic,
and GBV revealed that over half (57.3%) of the women the majority of individuals seeking help as IPV survivors
reported extreme forms of severe distress. Those with were minors aged below 16 years. This is potentially linked
a history of mental illness also suffered from severe to children being left alone and consequently being more
symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression, often linked vulnerable to SGBV during the lockdown when schools
to experiences of emotional abuse during the COVID-19 were closed (Rockowitz, et al., 2021).
lockdown (Sediri et al., 2020). The study further stated that 3.5. A hike in the eviction of women from homes and
some of the respondents faced challenges accessing social a fight over the custody of children
media due to abuse from their partners. The lockdown
intensifies the strain on the already negative relationships Findings revealed pre-existing instances of IPV before the
among couples and partners compelled to cohabit lockdown, with a notable increase in both the frequency
despite strained relationships. One study highlighted that and severity of episodes during the lockdown period.
emotional violence was the most frequently reported form Physical, economic, psychological, and sexual violence
during the COVID-19 lockdown (Tochie et al., 2020). emerged as the most frequently reported forms of abuse in
Another study, comparing the prevalence of IPV before these cases. Commonly reported were threats of eviction
and during the pandemic, substantiates this observation by from homes, coupled with disruptions in income during
stating that the experience of emotional violence was the the period. The sources of support for victims were
most reported among IPV victims during the lockdown adversely affected, with restrictions on movement and
(Ojeahere et al., 2021). escalated threats from perpetrators exacerbating their

Volume 10 Issue 1 (2024) 49 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.367