Love in the Time of Pandemic. Domestic violence during the first wave of COVID-19 in Hungary

Abstract

In accordance with the different research data published worldwide on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic violence, a significant rise could be detected in the number of the registered cases in Hungary as well. The aim of the article is to present the relevant available data during the first wave of the pandemic (March – June 2020), to outline the important provisions of Hungarian legislation, and to summarize the main psychological factors that contribute to the link between pandemic restrictions and the increase in domestic violence. The questions on management and treatment of the problems emerging from the pandemic situation regarding violence at home are also addressed. Besides the method of literature review the research was based on the analysis of statistical data acquired from different sources on the studied phenomenon. Both international and national data confirmed the conclusion that pandemic circumstances and necessary restrictions inevitably increase the prevalence and seriousness of domestic violence. Further research is needed to find specific tools and methods to adjust to the challenges of the new situation.