Gender-based Violence Quarantined during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Latin American Scenario

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze violence against women in several Latin American countries, specifcally examining severity of gender violence during pandemics as well as strategies implemented by governments to address these occurrences. Methodology: Information was included from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador. Both qualitative and quantitative variables were considered for each country. Severity of gender violence was measured through the number of femicides, reports of domestic violence, and calls to support lines. Sources of information included national police agencies, government prosecutor’s offces, and media sources prioritizing offcial sources from the countries. The information collected on each variable was recorded on a spreadsheet, and then a comparison was made by country from March– June 2019 and the same period 2020. Results: Information was obtained for all variables, with the exception of the number of calls due to violence against women to support lines. During the pandemic, there was an increase of up to 150% in calls for gender-based violence counseling in all countries. A decrease in domestic violence was observed in all countries excepting Peru and Paraguay. Additionally, there was a decrease in the numbers of femicides in all the countries studied according to country-specifc criteria. In terms of strategies, most countries adopted measures that focused on specifc actions against gender violence. Conclusions: This study shows an increase in expressions of violence against women during the pandemic, graphed by the increase in telephone calls to support lines, despite the fact that there is a decrease in complaints of domestic violence in some countries, attributable to measures of social isolation. In light of this, it is essential to include gender perspective in the general approach to healthcare. Additionally, it may be important to generate effective, coordinated strategies to reduce and prevent the effects of violence. On the other hand, the study illustrates the need for reliable and current records by country, which would improve the monitoring of gender-based violence as well as the generation of coordinated strategies.