Sheltering in place and domestic violence: Evidence from calls for service during COVID-19 ^☆

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an economic slowdown as more people practice social distancing and shelter at home. The increase in family isolation, unemployment, and economic stress has the potential to increase domestic violence. We document the pandemic's impact on police calls for service for domestic violence. The pandemic increased domestic violence calls by 7.5% during March through May of 2020, with effects concentrated during the first five weeks after social distancing began. The increase in reported domestic violence incidents began before official stay-at-home orders were mandated. It is not driven by any particular demographic group but does appear to be driven by households without a previous history of domestic violence.

Highlights

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  The COVID-19 pandemic increased domestic violence calls for service to the police by 7.5% during March through May of 2020.

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  The increase began over a week before the first stay-at-home order went into effect.

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  Effects were largest during the first five weeks after social distancing began, when domestic violence calls were up 9.7%

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  Failing to account for seasonal trends would overestimate the effects by a factor of two.

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  Households without a history of recent domestic violence calls drive the increase.