Exposure to Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Potent Threat to the Mental Well-being of Children

The unprecedented scale of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has indeed brought about tremendous ramifications on the state of mental health for children. One notable aspect deserving emphasis however, is the psychological impact in children as a result of the purported surge of domestic violence (DV) in many of the countries that imposed stay-at-home requirement. The imposition of movement restriction policy led to isolation and overcrowding, made worse by loss of income in some instances, causing high levels of stress and anxiety, thereby increasing the risk of DV and child abuse particularly those already living within violent or dysfunctional families. Children exposed to DV have higher risk of developmental delay and behavioural problems, more likely to suffer from post-traumatic symptoms, depression and anxiety, reduced cognitive functioning and social competence. Additionally, these children tend to have poorer academic performance and are more likely to engage in violent or abusive relationship later in life. Health care providers need to be vigilant and actively screen and identify children or families that are affected by DV to protect their physical and mental health well-being.