The Shadow Pandemic Contextualised: Albania's Response to Domestic Violence During COVID-19

Background: Domestic violence (DV) encompasses a pattern of psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and/or emotional abuse, manifesting through assault, threats, and intimidation. Economic and social stressors in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic escalated DV cases worldwide, including those in Albania. Socioeconomic vulnerabilities worsened the situation, with DV-related complaints to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Albania increasing by 60% between March and May 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Despite government efforts through a comprehensive anti-DV strategy, as the pandemic subsided, 2986 Albanian women still reported enduring DV. Methods: Using the Contextual Influence in Acculturative Stress (CIAS) framework, this study identified key external and internal contextual factors contributing to DV in Albania. These factors were assessed to evaluate their integration into the national anti-DV policy and their potential for improving the policy's impact. Results: The Albanian government's response focused on four primary areas: legal protection, women's safety, economic well-being, and community awareness. However, many vulnerable groups remained underserved. Furthermore, economic assistance provided was insufficient to address the increased financial strain faced by victims. Educational and awareness campaigns were implemented, but despite these efforts, DV rates persisted at high levels throughout the pandemic. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for more targeted, comprehensive, and context-sensitive approaches to DV intervention. The Albanian government's anti-DV strategy could be strengthened by addressing micro-level needs, such as tailored counselling, culturally sensitive services, and more robust economic support measures. Incorporating these elements into future policies may better address the structural and cultural barriers that perpetuate DV, particularly among vulnerable populations.