BMJ Open, 2021, 11: e04587

Objectives This study aims to explore the strategies that
governments and civil society organisations implemented
to prevent and respond to the anticipated rise in violence
against women and/or children (VAWC) during the 2019
novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Design A scoping review and content analysis of online
media reports.
Setting WHO European region.
Methods A scoping review of media reports and
publications and a search of other grey literature
(published from 1 January to 17 September 2020). Primary
and secondary outcome measures included measures
implemented by governments, public services and
non-governmental and civil organisations to prevent or
respond to VAWC during the early months of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Results Our study found that in 52 of the 53 member
states there was at least one measure undertaken
to prevent or respond to VAWC during the pandemic.
Government- led or government-sponsored measures
were the most common, reported in 50 member states.
Non- governmental and other civil society-led prevention
and response measures were reported in 40 member
states. The most common measure was the use of media
and social media to raise awareness of VAWC and to
provide VAWC services through online platforms, followed
by measures taken to expand and/or maintain helpline
services for those exposed to violence.
Conclusion The potential increase in VAWC during
COVID-19-imposed restrictions and lockdowns resulted
in adaptations and/or increases in prevention and
response strategies in nearly all member states. The
strength of existing public health systems influenced the
requirement and choice of strategies and highlights the
need for sustaining and improving violence prevention
and response services. Innovative strategies employed
in several member states may offer opportunities for
countries to strengthen prevention and responses in the
near future and during similar emergencies. (Authors' abstract). Record #8317