The COVID-19 pandemic provided valuable data, emphasizing the significant increase in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Family Violence (FV). In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic is unique in that it brought critical awareness to IPV/FV and how it impacts society. As Dr. Yasmin B. Kofman and Dr. Dana Rose Garfin mentioned in their article, "Home is Not Always a Haven: The Domestic Violence Crisis Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic," while the term "home" would typically reference a safe haven, and government officials quoted "Safer at Home" during the shelter-in-place mandates, the reality was that there was an immediate uptick of domestic violence during the first month of stay-at-home orders. In nine major U.S. metropolitan cities, Domestic Violence (DV) service calls increased by 20-30%, with some areas reporting spikes as high as 62% (Kofman, Y. B., Weiss, C. C. D., & Yim, I. S., 2023, para. 2).
A 24/7 crisis hotline should be established with increased staffing to ensure fast response times. A remote work system for hotline operators should be implemented to ensure continuity of service in case of staff illness or quarantine. Collaboration with local food banks, pantries, and government programs is essential to ensure continued access to food for residents. A delivery system should be established for vulnerable clients (e.g., elderly, disabled, in remote locations) or those unable to leave due to virus concerns. Assistance with food SNAP benefit applications should be provided for both shelter residents and non-resident clients experiencing food insecurity (NTV America, 2023, May 20). Referrals to local employment job training agencies and counselors specializing in financial planning for economic struggles. Legal aid organizations should be referred for virtual consultations, support with restraining orders, custody cases, and other legal matters. It is essential that legal services continue without interruption. Legal aid, counseling, batterer intervention programs, and access to transitional or long-term housing opportunities should be prioritized.
Additionally, referrals to free or low-cost childcare, and coordination with local childcare providers to secure spaces for shelter residents. Collaboration with local school districts is necessary to ensure continuity of education during the shutdown. Coordination with local hospitals and clinics should be ensured for access to medical care, including rape kits and trauma care, while minimizing exposure to the virus.
Culturally sensitive resources and trauma-informed care should be provided, specifically tailored to marginalized populations, including people of color, LGBTQIAS+ individuals, and those with limited access to healthcare and housing. Advocacy for more housing policies for marginalized and disadvantaged communities should be a priority in engagements with local and state officials. Access to transitional housing for clients ready to move out of the shelter but still requiring support during the virus outbreak should be facilitated. Advocacy should also push for increased funding for emergency housing programs and long-term affordable housing development (Wood, L., Baumler, E., Hairston, D., Brashear, B., & Temple, J. R., 2023, pg. 309, para. 4).
Access to mental health counselors and trauma-informed therapists should be provided via telehealth for residents and external clients. Virtual support groups should be established for survivors dealing with isolation, anxiety, depression, and substance use challenges. Continuous monitoring of the shelter's capacity, safety measures, and service delivery should be carried out throughout the national shutdown.
The Psychological Impact of the Pandemic
In another study conducted by Dr. Wood et al., psychological abuse and coercive control tactics, such as using COVID-19 to isolate partners, increased. Middle-aged and older participants reported higher rates of coercive control, sexual IPV, and economic abuse, while Black participants experienced higher rates of sexual IPV, reproductive coercion, and coercive control. Homelessness, particularly during COVID-19, was associated with increased violence, and individuals with a history of past-year physical or psychological IPV were at a higher risk of worsening violence. Furthermore, survivors faced exacerbated mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use. The intersectionality of IPV/FV with race, gender, and economic status was significant. LGBTQIAS+ individuals also faced increased risks of IPV during the pandemic, often lacking access to appropriate resources Wood, L., Baumler, E., Hairston, D., Brashear, B., & Temple, J. R., 2023).
Voices from the Frontlines
According to NTV News, Sofia Jamal interviews Jamie R. Wright, an activist on domestic violence, in the segment: "Domestic Violence is a Pandemic After the COVID-19 Pandemic." Jamie Wright shares her own experiences with IPV/FV, noting that she was conditioned to accept abuse due to societal norms passed down from generational trauma. She also mentions that victims do not immediately recognize emotional or verbal abuse, often entering into denial or survival mode, which contributes to their inability to leave the IPV/FV situation. Interestingly, Wright notes that there are not enough resources or safe spaces for men, as the focus is usually on helping victims and survivors of IPV/FV, rather than on spaces where men can share their own traumatic experiences. The limited capacity to help men due to underdeveloped programs and policies geared towards rehabilitating perpetrators is a significant issue. It is crucial to consider that men, due to societal pressures and stigmas, often feel helpless when it comes to emotionally processing their trauma. While this does not excuse perpetrators' abusive behaviors, more must be done to address the stigma of men not being able to express themselves emotionally for fear of being shamed or ridiculed. Wright also mentions the importance of setting aside money, keeping important documents, understanding their partner's triggers, and not forcing victims to leave their partner (NTV America, 2023, May 20, 10:47, 22:55).
Implementing Emergency Preparedness
As a director of a domestic violence shelter, I would implement a safety plan for emergency preparedness in a future virus outbreak. The policy aims to safeguard the health and well-being of staff, residents, and clients while maintaining critical services. An immediate assessment of shelter space should be conducted to determine capacity for safe physical distancing. Shelter admittance should be prioritized based on the severity of need, such as those escaping violence. Additional on-call staff or volunteers should be hired to manage the anticipated increase in crisis calls, admissions, and resource requests. Remote work policies should be implemented for non-essential staff, along with telehealth services for counseling and case management. Ensure that all staff have access to masks, gloves, and sanitizers. Daily health checks should be conducted, and testing provided for both staff and residents as available.