Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the wake of COVID-19 in India: a conceptual overview

Violence against women remains a significant threat to global public health as well as women’s health during emergencies. As per the available literature, one in three women worldwide was reported to be experiencing either physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In this period of COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have reported an increase in the cases related to violence against women. The present paper is a conceptual overview of the chances of victimization by intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in India during the lockdown period associated with COVID-19. Solutions are uncertain as there is no clear model for the current crisis in the literature. Exploring the psycho-social factors contributing to IPV would provide an insight into both physical as well as psychological harm induced to women and thereby enhancing safety and rehabilitation for victims from perpetrators. Implementing intervention programs, creating awareness among the public about the existing civil and criminal legal frameworks, and strengthening women’s civil rights can address the concerns on violence against women.