Beyond the Lockdown: Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Registered Domestic Violence in the Netherlands

Domestic violence is a pervasive societal issue impacting millions of people worldwide. While numerous studies have examined the short-term impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on domestic violence, research on its long-term effects remains limited. This study aims to explore the long-term impact of the pandemic on domestic violence trends in the Netherlands. Through descriptive quantitative analyses of official registrations and advisory requests from national domestic violence agencies from March 2019 to March 2024, covering 1 year before, 2 years during, and 2 years after the pandemic, this study investigates potential delayed or catch-up effects in domestic violence registrations using descriptive analyses. The results show a decline in the number of reports during the pandemic, followed by a rebound in the 2 years after it ended, reaching levels slightly below pre-pandemic levels. However, shifts in reporting behavior were observed, with a gradual increase in reports by individuals directly involved and a decrease in reports from family members and neighbors. Notably, while official reports suggested no long-term increase in domestic violence registrations, advisory requests continued to increase. These findings highlight discrepancies in data sources and emphasize the need for careful consideration of existing patterns and reporting thresholds when interpreting trends.