The Review of Economics and Statistics Vol. 108 No. 2 2026

Dynamic Impacts of Lockdown on Domestic Violence: Evidence from Multiple Policy Shifts in Chile

Sonia Bhalotra¹; Emilia Brito²; Damian Clarke³; Pilar Larroulet⁴; Francisco Pino⁵

¹ University of Warwick, CAGE, CEPR, IEA, IFS, IZA, MiSoC · ² Brown University · ³ University of Exeter, FEN University of Chile, MIPP and IZA · ⁴ Rutgers University-Newark, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and VioDemos Millennium Institute · ⁵ FEN University of Chile and IZA

Abstract

We identify dynamic impacts on domestic violence (DV) of the staggered imposition and lifting of lockdown across Chile’s 346 municipalities. Lockdown increases DV helpline calls and shelter occupancy without increasing DV police reports. These results are consistent with lockdown raising incidence and creating barriers to reporting. Once lockdown is lifted, shelter occupancy falls and police reports surge, but helpline calls remain elevated in line with state dependence in DV. We identify male job loss as a mechanism driving DV. Our findings accentuate controversy around welfare impacts of lockdown mandates. Adverse impacts of lockdown on DV are mitigated by cash transfers.

DOI

10.1162/rest_a_01412

Volume

108

Issue

2

Pages

344-354

Language

en

Sources

openalex crossref

Cite

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