As more countries report infection and enforce lockdown as a result of COVID-19, more domestic helplines and shelters across the world are reporting rising rates of domestic violence against women. Naming this the ‘shadow pandemic’, this report analyses domestic violence against women before and after COVID-19 and addresses the critical role of grassroots and women’s organisations in preventing and responding to crises. Police and justice services must mobilise to ensure that incidents of violence against women and girls are given high priority with no impunity for perpetrators. The private sector also has an important role to play, sharing information, alerting staff to the dangers of domestic violence.