Domestic Violence on the Rise Since the Lockdown
When the circuit breakers kicked in on April 7th, many people expected certain trends to shift – and the numbers prove just that.
Police Reports Are Sky‑High
- Between April 7 and May 6, police received 476 reports of offences linked to family violence.
- That’s a 22 % jump compared to the period before everyone stayed home.
Calls to AWARE Spike Like Never Before
- In May alone, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) saw calls about family violence climb by 137 %.
- Calls concerning emotional and psychological distress surged an eye‑popping 436 % versus last year.
Who’s the Bullied, Anyway?
Domestic violence isn’t just about a husband or girlfriend; you can end up being nagged by:
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
- Extended family members
- Employers of domestic staff
It Scares All Kinds of Ways
While most people picture rough fists and broken bones, abuse can also show up in:
- Sexual pressure or coercion
- Emotional manipulation
- Psychological torment
- Economic control or deprivation
In short, the lockdown didn’t just lock doors; it also locked in a surge of violence, in many forms, and from a surprising list of bullies. Stay aware and keep the conversation going – because no one should have to endure any of this alone.
Why the rise in domestic abuse during the circuit breaker?
Domestic Abuse on the Rise During the Pandemic – Why the Victims Are Not Faulty
There’s no mystery here: the blame never falls on the victim when a household turns into a fighting arena. “Any kind of violence is never justifiable or acceptable, no matter what chaos is going on inside the house,” says Meehan, senior programme executive at AWARE’s Women’s Care Centre. The weight of responsibility sits squarely on the abuser’s shoulders.
Why Violence Spurred During the “Circuit Breaker”
The pandemic’s financial mess set the perfect stage for abuse to flourish. Think layoffs, unpaid bills, and a general sense of “what’s going to happen next?” All those anxieties can trigger an abuser’s need to reassert control—leading to lashes that smash the very people they’re supposed to protect.
According to Laura, “abusers lash out at those around them to regain some semblance of control.” It’s a pattern widely seen in times of unemployment and economic hardship.
Space, or the Lack Thereof
- Shirley Woon, senior psychotherapist at The Blue Pencil, notes that being crammed together all day burned a fever. “Constant proximity can spark tempers that might end up violent,” she says.
- Social distancing shrunk the avenues of help. Victims found it harder to reach out to outside support, while losing jobs stripped them of the financial safety net needed to break free.
- “Three walls and a lot of anger” might just be the new recipe for conflict.
In short, the numbers went up not because the victims were to blame, but due to a cocktail of economic strain, cramped living conditions, and an inability to tap into external safety nets. The message is clear: when we talk about abuse, it’s always the abuser who’s at fault. Victims deserve protection, not judgment.
Non-physical abuse is no less harmful
When Abuse Isn’t Visible, It Still Stings
Think of emotional abuse like that jingle you can’t shake—except it’s your inner voice, not a catchy tune. It lingers, and if it’s handed you a lifetime of “you’re not good enough,” the damage can be just as severe as a physical injury.
Life‑Changing Words
Shirley points out that even when the bruises aren’t there, the psychological scars can stay forever unless you get help:
- Shame & guilt – feeling like you’re the world’s worst culprit.
- Fear & confusion – wondering if you’ll ever step out of the shadows.
Constantly hearing negative remarks is like wearing headphones full of the worst meme; eventually you stop hearing the world around you.
Money Matters Too
Financial control isn’t just about counting pennies—it can trap victims into chasing jobs they love or digging deeper into debt. The result? Exhaustion, anxiety, and sometimes a whole non‑existent health plan.
Why “Non‑Physical” is a Hard‑to‑Spot Bug
Because it leaves no scratches, many people overlook it. That’s where AWARE’s PACKED mnemonic shines:
- Powerless – feeling handed the remote.
- Abused – not the chest beaters but the verbal batterers.
- Controlled – limits on where you go and who you talk to.
- Kept Isolated – missing your crew like a prank call that never gets answered.
- Emotional Dependence – hanging on the abusive feelings for validation.
Life Under the Pack
When you’re PACKED, you’re stuck in a loop of anxiety, self‑doubt, and the “what if i’m trapped” nightmare. It’s like trying to climb out of a swamp with no rope.
Laura explains that even a non‑violent abuser will monitor everything—where you’re at, the people you text, how much you splash the cash. They’re the behind‑the‑scenes “project manager” of your life.
Breaking Free is Hard, But Not Impossible
Remember: a jingle can be comedically annoying, but a real emotional track is no joke. Reach out—a buddy, a counselor, or an abuse‑support hotline—so you can remix your life back into something you like.
What to do if someone you know is experiencing abuse
Spotting the Silence: How to Help a Friend in a Violent Situation
You’ve got a colleague, a neighbor, or a family member who seems off. Maybe they’re walking around as if a secret world was about to collapse on them. You might think, “Eh, let’s let them figure it out on their own,” but domestic abuse isn’t a private drama—it can ripple through the entire community. In fact, it can trip up relatives, friends, co‑workers, and even the people who are supposed to help.
Why the “Family Matters” Excuse Doesn’t Cut It
Laura, a seasoned domestic‑violence advocate, says this isn’t just a family issue. “When someone’s safety is tangled up with another’s physical or emotional violence, the whole neighbourhood can feel unsafe, and it’s in the public interest to step in,” she stresses.
Police Is Not Your One‑Stop Solution
It’s tempting to call the police right away, but think of it like a recipe that needs a pinch of attention, not all the ingredients at once. If the victim isn’t in immediate danger, rushing to law enforcement could actually make the situation scarier after the officers leave.
Laura recommends a quieter, more patient approach. First, ask for consent. A simple question—“Do you want me to help get you support?”—can go a long way and show you respect their autonomy.
Know the Hot Spots for Help
Feel stuck? Reach out to suicide prevention hotlines or specialized community centres. Some of the spotlights in Aussie territory include:
- PAVE – focusing on women’s safety.
- Care Corner – a support hub for all ages.
- Trans Safe Centre – turning point for trans folks facing abuse.
- AWARE – the local sexual‑assault care helpline that’s ready for instant chat.
Be the Anchor, Not the Lightning Storm
Sometimes the biggest wingman you can provide is the steady presence you keep in touch with. Lend an ear, stay in contact, and let the victim know they aren’t flying solo.
Remember: you’re not a detective, but your listening ears can form an ally. The subject of abuse is often lost in confusion, yet a friend who simply checks in can brighten the darkest moments.
