Domestic Violence in South Korea During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Professionals' Perspectives

초록

Despite extant evidence that domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in Western developed countries, relatively little attention has been paid to the pandemic's impact on domestic violence in non-Western contexts. This study aimed to explore the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on domestic violence in South Korea through the lens of professionals' experiences and perceptions. Applying semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interviews with fifteen professionals who provided support services to domestic violence victims, such as women, children, and older adults, we identified significant changes in domestic violence in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggested that while reported domestic violence cases decreased during social distancing, unreported victimization and its severity may have increased. Changes in the dynamics of domestic violence were also highlighted, including reduced exposure to mandated reporters, an increase in online harassment, and the economic impact of the pandemic, which exacerbated domestic conflicts, particularly among women. This study identified how the pandemic affected the trends and features of domestic violence, providing detailed insights into the evolving problem. Based on the findings, we offer recommendations to strengthen support services and develop effective policies to address the needs of domestic violence victims.

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