JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19 has created a scope to increase domestic violence against women all over the world. In Bangladesh where domestic violence is already prevalent, the lockdown period and stay at home orders can give the perpetrators more time to engage in violence. Isolation, social distancing, anxiety and stress about pandemic along with domestic violence can deteriorate the mental health status of the victims. Telepsychiatry Research and Innovation Network (TRIN) Ltd. conducted an online survey among the Bangladeshi population to understand the ongoing scenario of domestic violence. The questionnaire was disseminated through social media and the website of TRIN. Among the 136 participants (male=25.7%, female=74.3%), 36.8% (n=50) have faced domestic violence at any time of their lives. 24.2% of the participants have experienced domestic violence during this period of lockdown and the participants identified “Increase in different types of mental stress” as one of the key causes to increase domestic violence in this period. 96.3% and 93.4% of the participants respectively thought that the victims and the participants need mental health care. However, 62% of the victims did not have any clear idea about the available mental health services for them. This period of global health crisis has already opened a new window for telemedicine and telepsychiatric interventions can be useful in this regard as it can ensure mental health services 24/7 maintaining anonymity. Immediate telepsychiatry support can reduce the mental health burden among the victims and also can help the perpetrators to mitigate their violent behaviors towards the family members.