There has been a higher Covid related death rate amongst men and significant impact on mental health but the pandemic is also deepening existing inequalities. There has been an increase in violence and abuse against women, by leaving many victims trapped at home with their abusers, COVID-19 has compounded the already hugely prevalent levels of gender-based violence in societies across the world.

There is an urgent need for gender analysis of government measures related to COVID-19, and the impact these have on different social groups. There must also be a dramatic increase in funding for services to help those at risk of domestic and sexual abuse.