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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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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)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth Rice
- Lac Courte Oreilles Women’s Shelter Director & Tribal Governments TTA Coordinator at Red Wind Consulting, Inc
| | | | | | | | | | - Faria Raghe
- Advocate FRB Interpreter and Translation Services
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Singer R, Abboud S, Johnson AK, Zemlak JL, Crooks N, Lee S, Wilson J, Gorvine D, Stamps J, Bruce D, Sherman SG, Matthews AK, Patil CL. Experiences of Sex Workers in Chicago during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5948. [PMID: 37297552 PMCID: PMC10252736 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 exacerbated health disparities, financial insecurity, and occupational safety for many within marginalized populations. This study, which took place between 2019 and 2022, aimed to explore the way in which sex workers (n = 36) in Chicago were impacted by COVID-19. We analyzed the transcripts of 36 individual interviews with a diverse group of sex workers using thematic analysis. Five general themes emerged regarding the detrimental impact of COVID-19 on sex workers: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on physical health; (2) the economic impact of COVID-19; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on safety; (4) the impact of COVID-19 on mental health; and (5) adaptive strategies for working during COVID-19. Participants reported that their physical and mental health, economic stability, and safety worsened due to COVID-19 and that adaptive strategies did not serve to improve working conditions. Findings highlight the ways in which sex workers are particularly vulnerable during a public health crisis, such as COVID-19. In response to these findings, targeted resources, an increased access to funding, community-empowered interventions and policy changes are needed to protect the health and safety of sex workers in Chicago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Singer
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sarah Abboud
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Natasha Crooks
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sangeun Lee
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Della Gorvine
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jahari Stamps
- Southside Health Advocacy Resource Partnership, Chicago, IL 60653, USA
| | - Douglas Bruce
- Department of Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
| | | | | | - Crystal L. Patil
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Voth Schrag RJ, Fantus S, Leat S, Childress S, Wood L. Experiencing Moral Distress Within the Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Assault Workforce. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37358973 PMCID: PMC10132954 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Moral distress (MD) refers to the psychological disequilibrium that emerges when institutional policies and/or practices conflict with an individual's professional values and ethics. MD has been interrogated frequently in health care and ancillary medical settings, and has been identified as a critical barrier to enhanced organizational climate and patient care. However, little work has investigated experiences of MD among members of the intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) workforce. Methods This study investigates MD in a sample of IPV and SV service providers via secondary analysis of 33 qualitative interviews conducted with service providers in the summer and fall of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic response was unfolding. Results Qualitative content analysis revealed multiple overlapping vectors of MD experienced by IPV and SV service providers related to institutional resource constraints, providers working beyond their capacity and/or competency, shifting responsibilities within service agencies creating burdens among staff; and breakdowns in communication. Impacts of these experiences at individual, organizational, and client levels were identified by participants. Conculsions The study uncovers the need for further investigation of MD as a framework within the IPV/SV field, as well as potential lessons from similar service settings which could support IPV and SV agencies in addressing staff experiences of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Voth Schrag
- The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, 211 S. Cooper, Arlington, TX 76019 USA
| | - Sophia Fantus
- The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, 211 S. Cooper, Arlington, TX 76019 USA
| | | | - Saltanat Childress
- The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, 211 S. Cooper, Arlington, TX 76019 USA
| | - Leila Wood
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, USA
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Ravi KE, Cronley C, Lawler A, Held ML. Presenting Methodological Resilience for Conducting Research with Vulnerable Populations During Current and Future Pandemics: A Case Study with IPV Shelters and Survivors in the United States. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023:1-8. [PMID: 36743688 PMCID: PMC9885919 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00499-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose In this brief report, we highlight the challenges that we experienced while attempting to conduct primary data collection with intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors living in an IPV emergency shelter throughout the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and our strategies to overcome them. Method In the summer of 2021, we began collecting data on a study investigating maternal-child bonding while living in IPV emergency shelters. We proposed a 14-day electronic daily diary methodology with follow-up semi-structured interview. The purpose of the study was to understand what factors affect maternal-child bonding to support survivors' relationships with their children while living in an emergency shelter. Results We encountered two global obstacles to study implementation: the Institutional Review Board (IRB) pausing in-person data collection and low IPV shelter utilization. In what we term methodological resilience, we engaged in innovative and flexible team work to overcome these barriers. Specific strategies centered on creating an entirely remote data collection process and expanding our geographic area and participant eligibility criteria. Conclusions Implications for researchers include greater communication with IRB offices, planning for multi-state recruitment, triangulated recruitment methods, reminder texts for participants and incremental incentives to ensure continued engagement with the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E. Ravi
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Social Work, 1618 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Courtney Cronley
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Social Work, 1618 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Ashlee Lawler
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Social Work, 1618 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Mary L. Held
- The University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Social Work, 1618 Cumberland Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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Recovering from Intimate Partner Violence through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE): Initial Evaluation of the Clinical Effects of RISE Administered in Routine Care in the US Veterans Health Administration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148793. [PMID: 35886645 PMCID: PMC9320416 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common concern among military Veterans that negatively impacts health. The United States’ Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has launched a national IPV Assistance Program (IPVAP) to provide comprehensive services to Veterans, their families and caregivers, and VHA employees who use or experience IPV. Grounded in a holistic, Veteran-centered psychosocial rehabilitation framework that guides all facets of the program, the IPVAP initiated the pilot implementation of a novel intervention called Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE). This evidence-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, and empowerment-oriented brief counseling intervention is designed to support those who experience IPV and to improve their psychosocial wellbeing. This program evaluation study describes clinical outcomes from patients who participated in a pilot implementation of RISE in routine care. We examined changes in general self-efficacy, depression, and valued living, as well as treatment satisfaction among patients who received RISE and completed program evaluation measures at VHA facilities during the pilot. Results from 45 patients (84% women) indicate that RISE was associated with significant pretreatment to posttreatment improvements in self-efficacy, depression, and valued living (Cohen’s d s of 0.97, 1.09, and 0.51, respectively). Patients reported high satisfaction with treatment. Though preliminary results were similar across gender and IPV types, findings from the evaluation of the pilot implementation of RISE demonstrate the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and clinical utility in routine VHA care and inform the scalability of RISE. Additionally, findings provide preliminary support for the effectiveness and acceptability of RISE with men. Modification to RISE and its implementation are discussed, which may be useful to other settings implementing IPV interventions.
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Risser L, Berger RP, Renov V, Aboiye F, Duplessis V, Henderson C, Randell KA, Miller E, Ragavan MI. Supporting Children Experiencing Family Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: IPV and CPS Provider Perspectives. Acad Pediatr 2022; 22:842-849. [PMID: 35342034 PMCID: PMC8949658 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Children experiencing family violence (child abuse and neglect and exposure to intimate partner violence) are at a particularly elevated risk for compounding challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we interviewed intimate partner violence (IPV) advocates, child protective services (CPS) caseworkers, and IPV and CPS administrators on the needs of children experiencing family violence during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with IPV advocates, CPS caseworkers, and IPV and CPS administrators. Recruitment occurred through emails to national and state listservs, networks of the study team, and word of mouth. Interviews were completed through Zoom, took 45 to 60 minutes and were audio recorded. We used a mixed deductive-inductive content analysis approach. RESULTS Fifty-nine IPV advocates, 35 IPV administrators, 21 CPS workers and 16 CPS administrators participated in this study. Four themes emerged from this work. Participants discussed the role of social isolation, school closures, and distance learning on children experiencing family violence. They also noted child custody and visitation challenges, particularly in the context of abusive partners using custody to control IPV survivors and limitations to virtual visitation more broadly. Compounding challenges were described for children from marginalized communities due to structural-level inequities. Collaboration was discussed by participants from both IPV and CPS sectors. CONCLUSION This study is one of the first to describe the way the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted children experiencing family violence. Future studies should triangulate these results with children, families, and other child-serving providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Risser
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh (L Risser, C Henderson, and E Miller), Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Rachel P. Berger
- Division of Child Advocacy, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (RP Berger), Pittsburgh Pa
| | - Veronica Renov
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (V Renov), Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Fatimah Aboiye
- Child Welfare, Trauma, and Resilience Initiatives, American Academy of Pediatrics (F Aboiye), Itasca, Ill
| | | | - Cynterria Henderson
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh (L Risser, C Henderson, and E Miller), Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Kimberly A. Randell
- Division of Emergency Medicine (KA Randell), Kansas City, Mo,University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine (KA Randell), University of Kansas School of Medicine, Salina
| | - Elizabeth Miller
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, University of Pittsburgh (L Risser, C Henderson, and E Miller), Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Maya I. Ragavan
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh (M Ragavan), Pittsburgh, PA,Address correspondence to Maya I. Ragavan, MD, MPH, MS, University of Pittsburgh, 3414 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15213
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