The raise of Gender-Based Violence during the COVID-19 lockdown : A comparative study of GBV cases between Denmark and Greece

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates the rise in gender-based and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on two contrasting EU countries—Greece and Denmark. Despite shared legal obligations under the Istanbul Convention, these countries differ significantly in socioeconomic structure and gender equality rankings. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of national-level data from 2018–2022 with qualitative interviews conducted with Greek professionals from shelters, NGOs, and legal institutions. Quantitative data were cleaned, visualized, and compared to identify trends in violence across time, age, and occupational status. Qualitative interviews addressed gaps in statistical coverage, particularly concerning vulnerable groups and systemic limitations. Both countries saw a rise in domestic violence cases during lockdowns, including physical and psychological abuse. Contrary to expectations, Denmark’s high gender equality rating did not correlate with lower violence rates, reinforcing the "Nordic paradox". The findings suggest that gender equality policies alone are insufficient without deeper structural and cultural change. The thesis advocates for more inclusive data collection, greater attention to perpetrators, and an interdisciplinary approach informed by feminist digital humanities to better prevent gender-based violence in future crises.Key