The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the profile of Domestic Abuse in public discourse, in the UK at least. While lockdown has undoubtedly amplified the incidence of abuse, it has also played a key role in exposing its extent. Legislation conceived prior to the pandemic progressed through parliamentary processes in Westminster and Northern Ireland during the lockdown period and is due to be finalised and enacted as the crisis evolves.

The project will explore if and how the debate about domestic abuse during the pandemic impacts on legislative and policy change, exploring differences across the devolved nations. Changes to housing policy and strategic practice will be considered alongside other policy issues.

Team: Prof Annette Hastings (Lead Co-Investigator), Prof Mhairi Mackenzie, Dr Jenny Preece and Dr Gareth Young (Knowledge Exchange)

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This is a part of a wider project being undertaken by CaCHE exploring housing policies and the COVID-19 pandemic.