Is There any Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Intimate Partner Violence by Husband?

Abstract

Emerging preliminary data alarmed on an intensive increase of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. This article presents findings from a mixed-method approach identifying the changing nature of IPV during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka. Quantitative secondary data identified a rapid increase of complaints on violence against women (VAW) in Sri Lanka and Kalutara District with the implementation of island-wide lockdown restrictions. As qualitative data revealed IPV tends to be associated with childhood maltreatment, economic difficulties, stress, lack of social skills and empathy, infidelity and intimacy problems, excessive interference of co-residents, and alcohol and psychoactive drugs even before the pandemic. But, loss of income, increased stress, increased intimacy problems, alcohol addiction and using alcohol, and binge-watching of television by husband identified to be significant factors contributing to a higher incidence of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Kalutara District.