Infographic: Intimate Partner Violence Interventions Relevant to Women During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen increased rates of intimate partner violence (IPV). This is attributed to greater stress on households and families (e.g., reduced income, limited access to childcare and schools), and isolation from friends and family. Public Health guidance on physical distancing and/or remote delivery of services are helpful for reducing the spread of infection, yet these restrictions can create further challenges and barriers for women seeking IPV services. In this review, we synthesized evidence from 4 systematic reviews and 20 individual studies to suggest how IPV services, supports, or interventions for women might be adapted within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions generally fit into four main categories: 1) Preventing IPV through early recognition and awareness of IPV; 2) Counteracting abuse and breaking free; 3) Supporting women while living with and/or leaving an abusive partner; and 4) Supporting women after leaving an abusive partner. Many initiatives depend primarily on technology such as mobile phones and an internet connection for delivering information and interventions (e.g., mHealth, telehealth, websites, digital applications). However, it is important to consider that technological interventions are not available to all women given the financial resources necessary to secure a device and access to reliable internet. The results of this review can inform the service provision during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be especially important for supporting women who have little access to face-to-face services (e.g., women living in rural and remote places where there are few in-person services).