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Possible correlation between the phenomenology of criminal offenses, primarily domestic violence, and isolation and social distance measures during the Covid-19 pandemic in Croatia

In the majority of world’s countries, including the Republic of Croatia, fundamental human rights were severely restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no doubt that any violation of human rights should be a last resort measure. The author of this paper argues that the proportionality test should be considered while protecting the public health, with an emphasis on the protection of high-risk and vulnerable groups of population. Unfortunately, neither the actions of Croatian institutions nor the nations of the American and European continents demonstrated this. The aim of this paper is to investigate and attempt to clarify the impact of isolation and social distance measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on the phenomenology of crime and its legal aspects as they relate to EU member states, with special emphasis on practices in Croatia. It can be concluded that measures of isolation and restriction of movement should remain within the sphere of criminal legislation, and the circle of persons should be limited to those with reasonable suspicions of committing serious crimes. Additionally, the first half of 2020 in particular was challenging for the Republic of Croatia as a result of two major disasters that struck the country – the global pandemic known as coronavirus disease COVID-19 and the earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale that struck Zagreb – the capital of Croatia – on 22 March, as well as on 29 December in the Petrinja region. The problems that have been marginalized during the crisis – such as manifestations of criminal offenses during the implementation of measures in the fight against COVID-19, and the devastating effect on mental health as a result of social distance and restrictions on freedom of movement – have led to an increase in depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Due to the restriction of personal vehicle movement and reduced circulation of others road users, it can be concluded that the measures applied to combat COVID-19 have had an impact on the reduction of traffic accidents, that is, they can be viewed as the result of a reduced number of cultural events, transport, performances, concerts, increased intensity of e-shopping and work from home. Measures of self-isolation and social distance have had a significant impact on the reduction of the number of aggravated larcenies. In Croatia, aggravated larceny implies, among other things, breaking and entering to obtain items from behind closed buildings, rooms, cash registers, or other enclosed spaces. Based on relevant literature and conducted research of phenomenology of crime, the author of this paper warns of the importance of psychological and social factors and possible correlation with phenomenology, i.e. forms of criminal offenses behaviors observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly relating to criminal offenses such as domestic violence. In doing so, the author emphasizes the significance of developing effective strategies and plans to combat COVID-19 and mitigate the consequences of its action.

COVID-19 ; phenomenology of crime ; criminal offenses ; isolation ; social distance ; domestic violence

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