The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact across the world. Efforts to contain the coronavirus are vital to the health of the world’s population, but they are also exposing children and women to increased risks of violence, including maltreatment, gender-based violence and sexual abuse.

Recent reports from countries in COVID-19 emergency have shown that restrictions in movement, social isolation and similar containment measures coupled with existing or increased social and economic pressures on families are leading to an increase in violence, particularly against women and children. In many countries around the globe, domestic violence has increased from 30% to 300%. In Viet Nam, 21 million children were at home as schools were closed during social distancing. This new reality has direct implications on child care patterns, protection and safety.