Changes in Frequency and Form of Domestic Violence in Calls to Violence Helpline During COVID-19 in Finland

Objective: In the wake of COVID-19, a second pandemic of domestic violence (DV) has been reported. Stay-at-home orders intended to protect citizens and mitigate the spread of the virus have left many DV victims trapped with their abusers. Research indicates an increase in the frequency and severity of violence against women during the pandemic. Additionally, according to international studies, the fear, uncertainty, and perceived lack of control associated with the pandemic create an environment that can exacerbate and trigger different forms of violence. The pandemic makes help seeking even harder with disruptions and limited access to support services. However, a more detailed picture of the changes in the frequency and form of DV remains unclear. Method: We analyzed the changes in frequency and content of the Finnish violence helpline Nollalinja both before and during the pandemic (N = 7,416). Regression models were built to predict changes in call contents with the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: An overall increase was found in the number of DV calls during the pandemic, and a buildup of need during the lockdown was evident beyond the seasonal variation. Psychological violence increased more steeply than other types of violence. The relative proportions between various forms of violence remained largely unchanged. Conclusion: DV aid-seeking is affected by the pandemic with an increase in number of calls, whereas the presentation of violence remains largely unchanged. These data inform service development and provision. During exceptional circumstances, easy-to-access service availability is crucial to mitigate against possible changes in domestic violence.