Intimate partner violence against women during the covid-19 pandemic in the czech republic

OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a burning social issue worldwide. Some authorities and organizations have pointed to an even greater increase in the incidence of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly because of the restrictive social measures. This study provides data about the incidence of IPV and its associated factors during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic. METHODS: A representative online sample of 429 Czech women living with a partner at least 3 months before COVID-19 participated in the study. In an online interview, women reported IPV incidents 3 months before and during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Using non-parametric repeated measures ANOVA, a significant difference between the total IPV score and the given time periods was found (decrease in the average IPV score in the first and second waves of the pandemic compared to the time before the pandemic). In addition, the results of the research showed a significant effect of the tension in the relationship with the partner, depression rate, and partner support on the total IPV score in the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: These results bring important insights into IPV incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic on the representative online sample of participants. The study further analyzes factors that might lead to an increased risk of IPV. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.