On December 31, 2019, a new infectious respiratory disease (subsequently referred to as coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) was reported to the World Health Organization [1]. As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, many countries have taken exceptional health measures (eg, physical distancing and containment) to reduce transmission of the disease. In France, the government imposed a nationwide lockdown period from March 16 to May 11, 2020. The entire French population was instructed to stay at home as much as possible and to avoid nonessential travel. Childcare centers and schools were closed, out-of-school activities were no longer possible, and thus children had to spend more time at home.

Social isolation is known to be a risk factor for child abuse [2],[3]. Researchers have found that all types of child abuse become more frequent during school holidays, summer breaks, and natural disasters (disease outbreaks, hurricanes, etc.)[2]. Women in an abusive relationship and their children are more likely to be exposed to domestic violence and abuse when family members spend more time in close contact with each other and when families have to cope with additional stress, financial problems, and/or unemployment [4].