| Abstract: |
This study examines the challenges of analyzing domestic violence (DV) in
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and seeks to improve measurement through
two main contributions. First, we collect and describe traditional DV data
sources (house- hold surveys and administrative records) across 19 countries.
The analysis reveals substantial gaps in data availability, with infrequent
and outdated survey efforts in most countries. Nevertheless, surveys confirm
high DV prevalence, with at least one in five women reporting victimization in
all countries examined, and highlight perva- sive underreporting that limits
the reliability of administrative crime data. Second, we examine the
properties of a novel, high-frequency indicator based on online search
behavior: the Google Domestic Violence Index. Using administrative data from
eight LAC countries, we find that the index is strongly correlated with calls
to DV helplines but shows weaker association with police reports or emergency
calls. The evidence suggests that the index captures early-stage,
information-seeking behavior and may provide a real-time signal of latent
victimization not reflected in official statistics. Our findings underscore
the potential of digital data to complement traditional sources and to support
more timely, responsive approaches to tracking DV. |