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Treves-Kagan S, Le VD, Berra LS, Ray CM, Ruvalcaba Y, Wood L, D'Angelo DV, Vera TM, Estefan LF. Trends in Contacts Made by Immigrants to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Health Rep 2025; 140:90S-99S. [PMID: 39301786 PMCID: PMC11556452 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241279101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Immigrants in the United States are more likely than nonimmigrants to experience risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) and problems in getting support. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent incidents of xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment may have exacerbated exposure to IPV risk factors. We examined immigrant experiences of IPV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This study identified changes in characteristics of abuse, services used, referrals, and barriers to services among those who contacted the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) and identified as immigrants, reported immigration status as a concern, needed immigration support, and/or identified immigration status as a barrier to accessing services (N = 49 817). We used joinpoint regressions to examine whether the rate of change differed significantly from 2016-2019 (before the pandemic) to 2019-2021 (during the pandemic). RESULTS The number of immigrant contacts to NDVH peaked in 2017 (n = 9333) and declined 25% to 6946 in 2021. During 2016-2019, the percentage of contacts reporting the following increased significantly: technology-facilitated violence (+12.7 percentage points), economic/financial abuse (+10.8 percentage points), and involvement of firearms (+4.8 percentage points); during 2019-2021, these trends reversed. The percentage of contacts reporting separation or divorce was relatively flat until 2019 and then increased from 14.6% in 2019 to 19.9% in 2021 (+5.2 percentage points). Housing instability increased during 2017-2020 (+9.3 percentage points), but requests for shelters decreased (-4.5 percentage points). Immigration status and personal finances were commonly reported barriers to services; both decreased during 2016-2019 but then increased during 2019-2021. CONCLUSIONS This study can inform prevention and response strategies relevant for immigrants experiencing or reporting IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Treves-Kagan
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vi D Le
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Liris S Berra
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Colleen M Ray
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yanet Ruvalcaba
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leila Wood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Denise V D'Angelo
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tatiana M Vera
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lianne Fuino Estefan
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Cunha A, Gonçalves M, Matos M. Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Violence During the First Year of the Pandemic: An Integrative Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2025; 26:118-137. [PMID: 39315677 PMCID: PMC11558936 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241277788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
This integrative review aims to analyze and synthesize existing literature to inform our understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of domestic violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a holistic and ecological framework. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) study design, searches were conducted on six databases, yielding a final sample of 58 articles. The study comprehensively overviews North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and worldwide research. The literature reveals an alarming increase in domestic violence victimization during the pandemic in most regions and studies, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities. The increase in domestic violence during the pandemic is linked to ecological factors such as lower physical and mental health, rising substance use, and financial stress, which heightened individuals' vulnerability. Lockdowns exacerbated these issues by increasing confinement in homes, disrupting support services, and limiting victims' access to help. Barriers to help-seeking and amplified personal and professional stressors at the care level are identified. Advocacy for improved awareness, cooperation, and inclusive national and institutional policies emerges. This study underscores the urgency of empirical research to generate reliable data on the pandemic's impact on domestic violence. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding unique factors affecting specific groups, as well as informing prevention efforts and targeted interventions. Recognizing the mutual benefit of research-practice partnerships is crucial in addressing and preventing domestic violence. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of domestic violence during the pandemic's first year, guiding empirically informed interventions and policy changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cunha
- Center of Investigation in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Gonçalves
- Center of Investigation in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marlene Matos
- Center of Investigation in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Idriss-Wheeler D, Bancroft X, Bouraleh S, Buy M, Yaya S, El-Khatib Z. Exploring access to health and social supports for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors during stressful life events (SLEs)-A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0313613. [PMID: 39621659 PMCID: PMC11611170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) often face increased incidents of violence during stressful life events (SLEs) such as economic recessions, environmental disasters, and pandemics. These events can diminish the effectiveness of both formal (e.g., health, social, justice, labor, community) and informal (e.g., friends, family, neighbors) support systems. Additionally, SLEs exacerbate existing health and social inequities, making it necessary to understand the accessibility of support services during these times. This scoping review investigates access to services by individuals experiencing IPV during SLEs in high-income countries. APPROACH A comprehensive search was conducted across several electronic databases including MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsychInfo (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (EBSCO), Gender Watch (ProQuest), Web of Science, and Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts (ProQuest), along with the search engine Google Scholar. This search, which imposed no date restrictions, was extended through May 22nd, 2024. Key search terms were developed from prior literature and in consultation with an expert librarian, focusing on 'stressful life events,' 'intimate partner violence,' and 'access to services.'. Each study was screened and extracted by two reviewers and conflicts were resolved through discussion or a third reviewer. RESULTS The search across eight databases and citation searching resulted in a total of 7396 potentially relevant articles. After removing 1968 duplicates and screening 5428 based on titles and abstracts, 200 articles underwent full abstract review. Ultimately, 74 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were selected for further analysis. The analysis focused on barriers and facilitators to access, identifying challenges within Survivors' support systems, redirected resources during crises, and complex control dynamics and marginalization. Over 90% of the literature included covered the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies, sustained funding, and targeted interventions for high-risk subgroups. CONCLUSION This scoping review systematically outlined the challenges and enabling factors influencing the availability of support services for Survivors of IPV during SLEs. It underscores the need for robust, culturally sensitive health and social support mechanisms, and policies. Such measures are essential to better protect and assist IPV Survivors and their service providers during these critical times. Furthermore, it is imperative to integrate the insights and expertise of the violence against women (VAW) sector into emergency planning and policy-making to ensure comprehensive and effective responses that address the unique needs of Survivors in crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Idriss-Wheeler
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Xaand Bancroft
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Saredo Bouraleh
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie Buy
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sanni Yaya
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Kigali, Rwanda
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Steele B, Shastri P, Moses C, Tremblay E, Arcenal M, O'Campo P, Mason R, Du Mont J, Hujbregts M, Sim A, Yakubovich AR. The mental health of staff at violence against women organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from a mixed-methods study of service providers in Canada's largest city. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:756-769. [PMID: 39073552 PMCID: PMC11535010 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Staff at violence against women (VAW) organizations provide essential services for survivors of violence. The increase in VAW during the COVID-19 pandemic placed additional pressures on VAW staff. We investigated the impacts of the pandemic on the mental health of VAW staff in the Greater Toronto Area to inform recommendations for policy and practice. METHODS We conducted a community-based, mixed-methods study on the processes, experiences, and outcomes of adapting VAW programming during the pandemic using a sequential explanatory approach. Throughout 2021, we conducted a survey of direct support and leadership staff who worked on VAW services ("VAW staff") followed by semi-structured interviews with VAW staff purposively sampled from the survey. We descriptively analyzed quantitative survey data on the mental health of 127 VAW staff. We then applied thematic analysis to qualitative data from 18 interviews with VAW staff. We used the qualitative data to support interpretation and enrich the quantitative findings regarding staff mental health. RESULTS In the survey, 81% of leadership and 61% of direct support staff indicated that their work was more distressing during the pandemic. Participants reported moderate symptoms of vicarious trauma and mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. We generated three themes from the qualitative data to help explain these findings: (1) challenges related to changing work environments; (2) distress over not meeting client needs; and (3) difficulties in adapting self-care strategies in response to pandemic stressors. CONCLUSION VAW organizations require increased resources and flexible funding to hire and retain more staff to respond to higher and more complex caseloads during public health emergencies. With more structural supports in place, VAW organizations could create more time and space to develop their trauma-informed organizational practices: for example, establishing a culture of connection and learning among staff virtually and in-person and facilitating a range of self-care opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Steele
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Priya Shastri
- Woman Abuse Council of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Region Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Moses
- Woman Abuse Council of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Tremblay
- Woman Abuse Council of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Monique Arcenal
- Woman Abuse Council of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia O'Campo
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robin Mason
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Janice Du Mont
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Hujbregts
- Family Service Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Sim
- McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Alexa R Yakubovich
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Leat S, Ravi KE, Obenauf C. Living in an Intimate Partner Violence Shelter During a Pandemic: Perspectives from Advocates and Survivors. JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE-BASED SOCIAL WORK (2019) 2024; 21:435-454. [PMID: 38284243 DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2024.2308828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE With state-wide quarantine policies during the COVID-19 pandemic like those implemented in the state of Texas, intimate partner violence (IPV) shelter staff were forced to incorporate new safety measures to keep survivors and advocates safe. To understand the impact of these adaptations fully, authors interviewed shelter staff and residents to capture both of their experiences living and working in the same shelter during the height of the coronavirus pandemic (summer 2020) to understand how changes in policy and procedure in shelters impacted survivors and advocates. MATERIALS AND METHODS A qualitative phenomenological design was utilized to collect and analyze data from 10 staff and 10 survivors to develop both a textual and a structural description of participant experiences living in an IPV shelter. RESULTS The current study captured the survivors' and advocates' perspectives related to the 1) vacillating views of shelter social distancing and quarantine policies, 2) shelter occupancy and staffing unpredictability, 3) the broader challenges related to environmental stressors and 4) mobility challenges. DISCUSSION Results of this study highlight factors related to interpersonal relationships within the shelter and structural factors of shelter which contributed to stress for participants. CONCLUSION The coronavirus is continuing to present challenges for shelters. Implications can be drawn from provider and client experiences that can inform policies and procedures for future health crises, including the need to mitigate environmental stress and transportation challenges, as well as considerations for maintaining social support should social distancing be necessary in future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Leat
- Social Work, The University of Memphis, Memphis, USA
| | - Kristen E Ravi
- Psychology, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, USA
| | - Caterina Obenauf
- Psychology, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Knoxville, USA
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Stulz V, Francis L, Naidu A, O'Reilly R. Women escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing: an integrative review. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:314. [PMID: 38822284 PMCID: PMC11140925 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This integrative review summarises original research that explores women's experiences of escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing. METHODS Integrative review. A robust search strategy was conducted using the following databases: Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), Cochrane, Medline and PubMed. All articles were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT) scoring. Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) five stage approach was used to analyse the primary literature related to women's and stakeholders' experiences of escaping domestic violence to achieve safe housing. RESULTS A total of 41 articles were retrieved and 12 papers were included in this review (six qualitative, one quantitative and five mixed methods) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Four overarching themes were identified: 'Experiences of leaving domestic violence', 'Barriers to achieving safe housing', 'Facilitators to achieving safe housing' and 'The road to recovery'. The 'Experiences of leaving domestic violence' theme included two subthemes: 'the losses' and 'ongoing contact with the perpetrator'. The 'Barriers to achieving safe housing' theme included three subthemes: 'financial insecurity', 'being judged by others for leaving and service availability'. The 'Facilitators to achieving safe housing' theme included two sub-themes: 'support, partnership, and collaboration between women and service providers' and 'feeling respected and heard'. The 'Road to recovery' theme included two sub-themes: 'being a good mother' and 'empowerment after leaving domestic violence'. CONCLUSIONS This review has highlighted the need for service and health care providers to work together and collaborate effectively with the woman experiencing and escaping domestic violence, especially in rural and remote areas. This means giving women access to the most suitable educational resources and services that are appropriate for their unique situation. Tailoring support for women is crucial to enable women to achieve safe housing and to be able to live a safe life with their children, away from the perpetrator of the domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Stulz
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Canberra, Building 10, Office 10B7, 11 Kirinari St, Bruce, Canberra, ACT, 2617, Australia.
| | - Lyn Francis
- Western Sydney University, PO Box 63, Penrith, Sydney, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Anshu Naidu
- Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, NSW, 2745, Australia
| | - Rebecca O'Reilly
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, 40 Edward St, North Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2060, Australia
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7
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Willie TC, Linton SL, Whittaker S, Phillips KA, Knight D, Gray MC, Gardner G, Overstreet NM. Housing insecurity among black women surviving intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: an intersectional qualitative approach. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:501. [PMID: 38365688 PMCID: PMC10873942 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17965-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Housing instability is highly prevalent among intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors, and the coupling consequences of structural racism, sexism, classism, and the COVID-19 pandemic, may create more barriers to safe and adequate housing, specifically for Black women IPV survivors. In particular, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic had the potential to amplify disadvantages for Black women IPV survivors, yet very little research has acknowledged it. Therefore, the current study sought to assess the experiences of housing insecurity among Black women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) while navigating racism, sexism, and classism during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS From January to April 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 50 Black women experiencing IPV in the United States. Guided by intersectionality, a hybrid thematic and interpretive phenomenological analytic approach was used to identify sociostructural factors shaping housing insecurity. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate the various ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic shaped Black women IPV survivors' ability to obtain and sustain safe housing. We derived five themes to capture factors contributing to housing experiences: challenges with separate and unequal neighborhoods; pandemic-related economic inequalities; economic abuse limitations; and strategies to maintain housing. CONCLUSIONS Obtaining and maintaining safe housing during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for Black women IPV survivors who were also navigating racism, sexism, and socioeconomic position. Interventions are needed to reduce the impact of these intersecting systems of oppression and power to facilitate the resources necessary for Black women IPV survivors to identify safe housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiara C Willie
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, 21205, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sabriya L Linton
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, 21205, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shannon Whittaker
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karlye A Phillips
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, 21205, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Deja Knight
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mya C Gray
- School of Law, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gretta Gardner
- Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, Washington, DC, USA
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Shyrokonis Y, Peitzmeier S, Ward M, Fedina L, Tolman R, Herrenkohl TI. Help-Seeking and Service Utilization Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Michigan During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012231222491. [PMID: 38317289 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231222491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
This study explores formal and informal intimate partner violence (IPV) service use among women and transgender/nonbinary individuals in the state of Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 14.8% (N = 173) of participants experienced IPV during this period, and 70% utilized at least one formal IPV service (13.3%). Up to 22% of survivors reported wanting to seek formal help but not doing so due to fear of partner reprisal, contracting COVID-19, or COVID-related service reductions. White, pregnant, and part-time-employed survivors were most likely to seek informal help. Older, higher-income, white, part-time-employed, pregnant, and non-essential worker survivors were most likely to seek formal help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Shyrokonis
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Malorie Ward
- School of Social Work, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lisa Fedina
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rich Tolman
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Mkandawire-Valhmu L, Callari-Robinson J, Schadewald D, Abusbaitan H, Pirsch A, Luebke J, Marquardt L, Schubert E, Kibicho J, Lopez A, Gondwe K, Rice E, Bement K, Morgan M, McClain R, Kako P, Raghe F, Hunter CF, Ayad C, Dressel A. A protocol for the safe recruitment of Indigenous and Black women experiencing intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic into a large mixed methods study: The Sisters by Choice Study. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2290122. [PMID: 38158725 PMCID: PMC10764067 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2290122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and pervasive public health problem disproportionately affecting Indigenous and Black women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IPV became more complicated for advocates because social distancing, quarantine, and isolation measures further endangered women experiencing IPV. This manuscript is based on an ongoing community-engaged study in an upper Midwestern state. Our primary goal for this study is to generate urgently needed knowledge on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous and Black women's help-seeking behaviours following IPV by systematically documenting barriers women faced during the pandemic. Engaging women in a large study that seeks to garner information about their experiences of violence is complex and challenging and requires significant planning, especially for ensuring participants' safety. In this write-up, we detail the safety planning protocol developed for the purposes of recruiting and engaging women in rural and urban areas in an upper Midwestern state in the United States. Our goal is to provide scholars conducting research in the area of violence with practical considerations for safely conducting a study of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diane Schadewald
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Hanan Abusbaitan
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Anna Pirsch
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MA, USA
| | - Jeneile Luebke
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Jennifer Kibicho
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Alexa Lopez
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kaboni Gondwe
- School of Nursing Dept of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rice
- Lac Courte Oreilles Women's Shelter Director & Tribal Governments TTA Coordinator at Red Wind Consulting, Inc
| | | | | | | | - Peninnah Kako
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Faria Raghe
- Advocate FRB Interpreter and Translation Services
| | | | | | - Anne Dressel
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Eapen DJ, Tsusaki RB, Mullassery DG, Goolsby C, Lee K, Wardell DW. A Systematic Review of Women's Experiences of Interpersonal Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nurs Womens Health 2023; 27:435-447. [PMID: 37866396 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore and synthesize women's experiences of interpersonal violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE, Ovid, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases were searched to identify articles published between December 2019 and November 2022. STUDY SELECTION Seventeen peer-reviewed studies were included, for a total of 2,046 women. DATA EXTRACTION Data were extracted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. DATA SYNTHESIS COVID-19 brought many challenges for women experiencing interpersonal violence. Women reported worsening of abuse during the pandemic. The pandemic led to severe economic challenges, which eventually precipitated more abuse. Additionally, women experienced mental health distress from social isolation and increased surveillance and control from their abusive partners. Several factors affected their ability to access health care and support services; these included limited availability of services, fear of contracting the virus, and an abusive partner who restricted their movement outside the home. CONCLUSION The pandemic presented multiple challenges and additional stressors for women who experienced interpersonal violence during pandemic-related restrictions on services, gatherings, and work and school outside of the home. The findings from this review signify the need to raise public awareness about violence against women and to plan for coordinated efforts to decrease violence against women and address victims' needs in the event of future pandemics or other public health emergencies.
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11
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Randell KA, Balascio P, Ragavan MI, Duplessis V, Miller E, Hurley TP, Garcia R, Villaveces A, DeGue S, Chang JC. COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on United States Intimate Partner Violence Organizations: Administrator Perspectives. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 38:1-14. [PMID: 39421006 PMCID: PMC11485287 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00641-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has increased challenges to intimate partner violence (IPV) service provision. This study aimed to explore administrative perspectives on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on United States regional and national IPV service organizations. Methods We interviewed 35 administrators working within state, regional, or national organizations addressing IPV. Interview domains included (1) organizational response to COVID-19, including communication and supporting employees and partner agencies, (2) impact on marginalized communities, and (3) resource needs. We used a hybrid deductive-inductive approach and thematic analysis for coding and analysis. Results We identified four key themes: (1) COVID-19 worsened pre-existing challenges and created new challenges at multiple levels within IPV service organizations; (2) IPV service organizations initiated multi-level initiatives to support IPV survivors, their staff, their organization, and their member/partner agencies; (3) Organizations identified changes that should continue beyond the pandemic; and (4) Systemic racism compounded the impact of COVID-19 on IPV survivors and IPV service agencies. Conclusions Findings suggest that (1) multi-level responses are needed for robust support of IPV survivors during and beyond the pandemic and (2) a syndemic model that addresses underlying structural inequities may strengthen efforts to support IPV survivors during a pandemic or other large-scale disaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Randell
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Phoebe Balascio
- University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Maya I. Ragavan
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, One Children’s Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Virginia Duplessis
- Futures Without Violence, 100 Montgomery St, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94219, USA
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, One Children’s Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Tammy Piazza Hurley
- Department of Healthy, Youth and Family, American Academy of Pediatrics, Resilient Children, USA
| | - Rebecca Garcia
- Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, PO Box 9024, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Andrés Villaveces
- Division of Violence Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Sarah DeGue
- Division of Violence Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Judy C. Chang
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Services and Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3350 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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12
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Horney JA, Fleury-Steiner R, Camphausen LC, Wells SA, Miller SL. Characterizing the impacts of public health control measures on domestic violence services: qualitative interviews with domestic violence coalition leaders. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1721. [PMID: 37667284 PMCID: PMC10478408 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to the availability of pharmaceutical control measures, non-pharmaceutical control measures, including travel restrictions, physical distancing, isolation and quarantine, closure of schools and workplaces, and the use of personal protective equipment were the only tools available to public health authorities to control the spread of COVID-19. The implementation of these non-pharmaceutical control measures had unintended impacts on the ability of state and territorial domestic violence coalitions to provide services to victims. METHODS A semi-structured interview guide to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted service provision and advocacy generally, and how COVID-19 control measures specifically, created barriers to services and advocacy, was developed, pilot tested, and revised based on feedback. Interviews with state and territorial domestic violence coalition executive directors were conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Transcripts were inductively and deductively coded using both hand-coding and qualitative software. RESULTS Forty-five percent (25 of 56) of state and territorial domestic violence coalition executive directors representing all 8 National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) regions were interviewed. Five themes related to the use of non-pharmaceutical pandemic control measures with impacts on the provision of services and advocacy were identified. CONCLUSIONS The use of non-pharmaceutical control measures early in the COVID-19 pandemic had negative impacts on the health and safety of some vulnerable groups, including domestic violence victims. Organizations that provide services and advocacy to victims faced many unique challenges in carrying out their missions while adhering to required public health control measures. Policy and preparedness plan changes are needed to prevent unintended consequences of control measure implementation among vulnerable groups as well as to identify lessons learned that should be applied in future disasters and emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Horney
- Epidemiology Program, University of Delaware, 100 Discovery Blvd, Room 731, Newark, DE 19713 USA
| | - Ruth Fleury-Steiner
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, 118 Alison Hall, Newark, DE 19716 USA
| | - Lauren C. Camphausen
- Epidemiology Program, University of Delaware, 100 Discovery Blvd, Room 731, Newark, DE 19713 USA
| | - Sarah A. Wells
- Epidemiology Program, University of Delaware, 100 Discovery Blvd, Room 731, Newark, DE 19713 USA
| | - Susan L. Miller
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, 335 Smith Hall, Newark, DE 19716 USA
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13
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Mureșan GM, Văidean VL, Mare C, Achim MV. Were we happy and we didn't know it? A subjective dynamic and financial assessment pre-, during and post-COVID-19. THE EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS : HEPAC : HEALTH ECONOMICS IN PREVENTION AND CARE 2023; 24:749-768. [PMID: 35984544 PMCID: PMC9390109 DOI: 10.1007/s10198-022-01506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes into people's lives. Fear, job insecurity, changes in their financial stability, concerns about their future lives have changed the entire lives of people and have affected the cognitive well-being of individuals. The purpose of the present analysis is to measure how the COVID-19 pandemic, along with financial factors, has affected the perceived level of well-being of individuals. We are also interested whether there are differences between life before COVID-19, life now with COVID-19, and life after the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of future expectations. To address this objective, we performed an ANOVA approach and a GLM estimate on repeated measures for a large sample (1572 respondents) from 43 worldwide countries, during the period May 2020 and July 2021. Our results show that financial factors reflected by both the size of income and changes in personal or family income affect the levels of happiness. Robustness checks using stress as an alternative estimator for happiness have consolidated our results. Additionally, we find that well-being during COVID-19 compared to the previous period decreased, while in future, people expect to be happier, but not more than in the past when they did not know about the existence of this virus. This is one of the first studies to investigate the relationship between happiness and income before, during, and after COVID-19. These findings are important for policymakers to improve the conditions of living in the areas of health and financial stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela-Mihaela Mureșan
- Department of Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeş-Bolyai University, Teodor Mihali Street, no. 58-60, 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Viorela-Ligia Văidean
- Department of Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeş-Bolyai University, Teodor Mihali Street, no. 58-60, 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Codruța Mare
- Department of Statistics-Forecasts-Mathematics, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babes-Bolyai University, Teodor Mihali Street, no. 58-60, 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Data Science, Babes-Bolyai University, 68, Avram Iancu str., 4th floor, 400083 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Violeta Achim
- Department of Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Babeş-Bolyai University, Teodor Mihali Street, no. 58-60, 400591 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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14
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Pless J, Schroeder E, Blackburn J, Choi YJ. "They Knew They Were Still Safe with Us": Experiences of Domestic Violence Shelter Staff on Survivors' Experiences in Shelter in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 39:1-13. [PMID: 37358983 PMCID: PMC10089817 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00545-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Domestic violence (DV) shelters are an essential service for survivors and their children. While research has demonstrated global increases in DV during COVID-19, little is known about the experiences of DV shelter staff. This study aimed to understand DV shelter staff's experiences and how they navigated the early stages of the pandemic. Methods Researchers disseminated a cross-sectional online survey, first to state DV coalitions and then directly to DV shelters. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used for multiple-choice items, and patterns were identified using thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Results Survey participants included 368 DV staff (180 leadership, 167 direct services, and 21 other roles) from 48 states. They reported little change to their schedules and mixed feelings of shelter preparedness for the pandemic. Participants described shelter methods for preventing the spread of COVID-19, changes in shelter policies and satisfaction with such policies, and the impacts of the pandemic on themselves and survivors. Balancing survivor autonomy with the health and safety of staff and other residents proved to be one of the most consistently challenging tasks. Participants also described how programs adapted to changing regulations and continued to serve survivors throughout this challenging time. Conclusion Several innovative practices were implemented by staff throughout the pandemic, including expansions in technology use and non-residential services. Most reported feeling prepared for a similar crisis in the future. We offer five recommendations for DV shelters and their funders, including increased mental health support for staff and greater transparency in policies for both shelter residents and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Pless
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
| | - Elyssa Schroeder
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
| | - Julianne Blackburn
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
| | - Y. Joon Choi
- School of Social Work, University of Georgia, 279 Williams Street, 30605 Athens, GA Greece
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15
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Willie T, Linton S, Whittaker S, Phillips K, Knight D, Gray M, Gardner G, Overstreet N. Housing Insecurity among Black Women Surviving Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Intersectional Qualitative Approach. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2662616. [PMID: 36993320 PMCID: PMC10055545 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2662616/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Background To investigate housing experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic among Black women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) who are also navigating racism, sexism, and classism. Methods From January to April 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 50 Black women experiencing IPV in the United States. Guided by intersectionality, a hybrid thematic and interpretive phenomenological analytic approach was used to identify sociostructural factors shaping housing insecurity. Results Our findings demonstrate the various ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic shaped Black women IPV survivors' ability to obtain and sustain safe housing. Five themes were derived to capture factors contributing to housing experiences: challenges with separate and unequal neighborhoods; pandemic-related economic inequalities; economic abuse limitations; mental toll of eviction; and strategies to maintain housing. Conclusions Obtaining and maintaining safe housing during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for Black women IPV survivors who were also navigating racism, sexism, and socioeconomic position. Structural-level interventions are needed to reduce the impact of these intersecting systems of oppression and power in order to facilitate the resources necessary for Black women IPV survivors to identify safe housing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mya Gray
- North Carolina Central University
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16
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Schweinhart A, Aramburú C, Bauer R, Simons-Rudolph A, Atwood K, Luseno WK. Changes in Mental Health, Emotional Distress, and Substance Use Affecting Women Experiencing Violence and Their Service Providers during COVID-19 in a U.S. Southern State. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2896. [PMID: 36833591 PMCID: PMC9957159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed many unintended consequences of mandated safety precautions, including increased perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), increases in substance use, and worsening mental health conditions. We conducted a repeated, cross-sectional survey of survivors of IPV, a longitudinal survey of service providers working in an IPV shelter, and interviews with both. We conducted surveys at the beginning of the pandemic and nearly half a year later to assess mental health and, for clients, substance use. Results showed that two small samples of survivors living in the shelter in 2020 and 2021 experienced both mental health decline and increased use of substances. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews suggest that COVID-19-related restrictions mirrored survivors' experiences of power and control in violent relationships. Further, IPV service providers-essential workers during COVID-19-experienced stress associated with reports of burnout and mental fatigue. This study suggests that community-based organizations can help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on survivors of IPV but should avoid adding additional work for staff as service providers experienced mental and emotional stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Schweinhart
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 4061 Powder Mill Road, Suite 350, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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17
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Voth Schrag RJ, Leat S, Backes B, Childress S, Wood L. "So many extra safety layers:" Virtual service provision and implementing social distancing in interpersonal violence service agencies during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 38:227-239. [PMID: 35106021 PMCID: PMC8794597 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-021-00350-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic necessitated rapid shifts in approach for service providers working with survivors of interpersonal violence. To reduce the spread of the virus, providers and agencies implemented a rapid and unplanned expansion of virtual services while also developing new protocols to support safe and socially distant in-person services. To understand how these shifts have impacted victim service professionals and the survivors they serve, to provide guidance for on-going efforts, and to inform planning for future public health emergencies, this study asks the question: What approaches did the interpersonal violence workforce use to address social distancing needs during COVID-19? Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July to December 2020 with 33 interpersonal violence service providers from across the United States, and data were analyzed via conventional content analysis with additional steps for data credibility. Findings fall within two primary categories: 1) Technology and Virtual Service Provision; and 2) Social Distancing for In-person Services. Within each category, a number of themes emerged illustrating strengths and challenges of each approach, and the complex web of technological, safety, and public health considerations being balanced in interpersonal violence service agencies. These results provide guidance for the implementation of virtual services in an on-going manner, as well as underscoring the importance of future planning to facilitate effective in-person but physically distant services. There is also a clear need for agencies to support the interpersonal violence workforce to reduce occupational stress and enhance skills and capacities with new forms of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Voth Schrag
- University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, 211 S. Cooper, Arlington, TX 76016 USA
| | | | | | | | - Leila Wood
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
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18
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Schrag RV, Leat S, Wood L. "Everyone is Living in the Same Storm, but our Boats are all Different": Safety and Safety Planning for Survivors of Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP21775-NP21799. [PMID: 34964394 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211062998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA) faced increased violence, new safety risks, and reduced services access in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. IPV and SA service providers have a critical role in safety planning and advocacy with survivors; however their patterns of working were dramatically impacted by changes brought on by the pandemic. Little is known about safety planning strategies and service adaptations employed in this context. Through semi-structured interviews with 33 service providers from across the United States, this study explores the experiences and perspectives of victim service agency staff with IPV and SA survivor safety and safety planning from March to December 2020. Qualitative data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Four overarching themes related to survivor safety and safety planning emerged, including (1) "The violence is more severe, it's more escalated," describing an increase in the severity and frequency of violence; (2) "Perpetrating the violence through [technology]," describing a specific surge in technology based abuse (TBA) as the world shifted to virtual communication to facilitate social distancing; (3) "COVID-19 is now a tool in their toolbox," describing the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and health guidance as a life generated risk that abusive partners used to further control and isolate their partner; and (4) "You just get real crafty," highlighting the wide range of "work-arounds" and safety planning adaptations employed by victim service professionals trying to maintain services in a disrupted environment and in the face of evolving safety risks and increasing violence severity. These findings highlight the safety and safety planning challenges encountered as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded and the many creative strategies employed by service providers to adapt in the moment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Leat
- 5415The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Leila Wood
- 12338The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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19
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Burd C, MacGregor JCD, Ford-Gilboe M, Mantler T, McLean I, Veenendaal J, Wathen N. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Staff in Violence Against Women Services. Violence Against Women 2022:10778012221117595. [PMID: 36002949 PMCID: PMC9412141 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221117595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been harmful to survivors of abuse. Less understood is the impact on staff in the violence against women (VAW) service sector. Using interpretive description methodology, we examined staff experiences during the pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and found four core themes: (1) the emotional toll of the work; (2) remote (doesn't) work; (3) work restructuring; (4) efforts to stay well and subthemes nuancing staff experiences in a sector vulnerable to vicarious trauma. This research underscores the need to mitigate experiences of stress, heavy workloads, and guilt for staff in VAW services during crises and provides action-oriented recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Burd
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, Canada,Caitlin Burd, Western University, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
| | | | | | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Western University, Canada
| | - Isobel McLean
- School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jill Veenendaal
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, Canada
| | - Nadine Wathen
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, Canada
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20
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Engleton J, Goodman‐Williams R, Javorka M, Gregory K, Campbell R. Sexual assault survivors' engagement with advocacy services during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:2644-2658. [PMID: 35150008 PMCID: PMC9088241 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault advocates provide support to survivors as they navigate medical, legal, housing, and other complex systems. However, social distancing measures enacted in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced changes to traditional advocacy services. The current study aimed to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed survivors' engagement with sexual assault advocacy services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 sexual assault advocates from a community-based advocacy organization in Detroit. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover emergent themes reflecting COVID-19's impact on survivors' engagement with advocacy services. Three themes were identified: (1) Disruption to advocacy services; (2) difficulty obtaining tangible resources; and (3) desire for COVID-related support, information, and resources. This study highlights the needs of sexual assault survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores how public health emergencies have the potential to exacerbate the needs of this vulnerable population. Implications and future directions for service provision and research are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Engleton
- Department of PsychologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | | | - McKenzie Javorka
- Department of PsychologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Katie Gregory
- Department of PsychologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
| | - Rebecca Campbell
- Department of PsychologyMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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21
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Macy RJ. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Family Violence: Reflecting on Two Years' Research. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 37:719-724. [PMID: 35572416 PMCID: PMC9086132 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00410-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Macy
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 325 Pittsboro Street, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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22
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Yakubovich AR, Bartsch A, Metheny N, Gesink D, O'Campo P. Housing interventions for women experiencing intimate partner violence: a systematic review. Lancet Public Health 2022; 7:e23-e35. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00234-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Vives-Cases C, La Parra-Casado D, Briones-Vozmediano E, March S, María García-Navas A, Carrasco JM, Otero-García L, Sanz-Barbero B. Coping with intimate partner violence and the COVID-19 lockdown: The perspectives of service professionals in Spain. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258865. [PMID: 34673783 PMCID: PMC8530357 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic crisis and humanitarian disasters can cause increased stress for women who experience inter-partner violence (IPV). This study analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on this important issue, their related health and social services and working conditions from the perspectives of professionals in different sectors. Forty-three semi-structured interviews were carried out with 47 professionals (44 women and 3 men) from 40 different entities (September 2020-April 2021). This content analysis suggests that the pandemic and its associated prevention measures have had a negative impact on women exposed to IPV and their children, which affected their social wellbeing. Professionals described burnout, difficult and slow administrative processes, and problems with coordination and access to information. These negative impacts were mitigated, in part, by the work of professionals, but this suggests that a series of key strategies are needed to improve the response capacity of the service sector to IPV in situations of crisis. These improvements are related to the availability of human and material resources; an efficient coordination network between the professionals from different sectors; existence of informal support networks in the community; protocols/procedures and prior training for better implementation; and greater flexibility and accessibility of basic services that benefit women who experience IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Vives-Cases
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, Alicante University, Alicante, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Erica Briones-Vozmediano
- Department and Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Research Group in Society, Health, Education, and Culture (GESEC), University of Lleida, Alicante, Spain
- Research Group in Health Care (GRECS), Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) of Lleida, Fundación Josep Pifarre, Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Laura Otero-García
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Sanz-Barbero
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, National School of Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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24
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Williams EE, Arant KR, Leifer VP, Balcom MC, Levy-Carrick NC, Lewis-O'Connor A, Katz JN. Provider perspectives on the provision of safe, equitable, trauma-informed care for intimate partner violence survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:315. [PMID: 34452616 PMCID: PMC8393774 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Early research suggests the COVID-19 pandemic worsened intimate partner violence (IPV) in the US. In particular, stay-at-home orders and social distancing kept survivors in close proximity to their abusers and restricted access to resources and care. We aimed to understand and characterize the impact of the pandemic on delivery of IPV care in Boston. Methods We conducted individual interviews with providers of IPV care and support in the Greater Boston area, including healthcare workers, social workers, lawyers, advocates, and housing specialists, who continued to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using thematic analysis, we identified themes describing the challenges and opportunites providers faced in caring for survivors during the pandemic. Results Analysis of 18 interviews yielded four thematic domains, encompassing 18 themes and nine sub-themes. Thematic analysis revealed that the pandemic posed an increased threat to survivors of IPV by exacerbating external stressors and leading to heightened violence. On a system level, the pandemic led to widespread uncertainty, strained resources, amplified inequities, and loss of community. On an individual level, COVID-19 restrictions limited survivors’ abilities to access resources and to be safe, and amplified pre-existing inequities, such as limited technology access. Those who did not speak English or were immigrants experienced even more difficulty accessing resources due to language and/or cultural barriers. To address these challenges, providers utilized video and telephone interactions, and stressed the importance of creativity and cooperation across different sectors of care. Conclusions While virtual care was essential in allowing providers to care for survivors, and also allowed for increased flexibility, it was not a panacea. Many survivors faced additional obstacles to care, such as language barriers, unequal access to technology, lack of childcare, and economic insecurity. Providers addressed these barriers by tailoring services and care modalities to an individual’s needs and circumstances. Going forward, some innovations of the pandemic period, such as virtual interactions and cooperation across care sectors, may be utilized in ways that attend to shifting survivor needs and access, thereby improving safe, equitable, and trauma-informed IPV care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01460-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Williams
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kaetlyn R Arant
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Valia P Leifer
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mardi Chadwick Balcom
- Community Health Intervention and Prevention Programs, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Center for Community Health and Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nomi C Levy-Carrick
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annie Lewis-O'Connor
- Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,C.A.R.E. (Coordinated Approach To Resiliency and Empowerment) Clinic, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Katz
- The Orthopaedic and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Building for Transformative Medicine, Suite 5016, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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