THURS-065 - Domestic Violence as a Shadow Pandemic: Lessons Learned in Supporting Practitioners and Advocates

Brief Abstract Summary: The goal of our poster presentation is to highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a parallel “shadow pandemic” of increased domestic violence (DV), straining support systems and service providers worldwide. Attendees will learn about the unique challenges DV practitioners and leaders faced, including rapid remote service shifts, workforce shortages, and mental health strain, as well as the impact of public health restrictions that isolated victims and stretched shelter capacities.

We aim for attendees to leave with a clear understanding of the funding and systemic disparities—racial, ethnic, tribal, and rural—that must be addressed to strengthen DV response systems. Additionally, we hope they recognize the urgent need to apply these lessons to future disaster planning, as climate change increases the frequency of emergencies, to build more resilient and equitable DV support systems.

Detailed abstract description:

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a "shadow pandemic" of increased domestic violence (DV) worldwide, straining support systems and challenging service providers. Prior research has shown that DV increases after many types of disasters and emergencies, including tsunamis, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, pandemics like H1N1 Novel Influenza A, and outbreaks like Ebola. The project explored the experience of DV leaders and practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify lessons learned.

Methods: Key informant interviews were conducted with executive directors and other leaders from State and Territorial Domestic Violence Coalitions. Additional data was collected using a web-based survey of a census of domestic violence shelters and service providers. The University of Delaware Institutional Review Board (1597257) approved all study materials.

Results: Leaders from all 8 National Network to End Domestic Violence regions completed key informant interviews (25 of 56; 45%). Of 1,341 local DV organizations, 301 responded to the survey; 180 complete responses were used for analysis. Three primary themes impacting DV service delivery and workforce stability were identified, including 1) the impact of public health control measures (e.g., stay-at-home orders, travel restrictions, and physical distancing on victim isolation; 2) changes to shelter capacity and the use of approaches such as hoteling; and 3) workforce shortages and workforce gaps due to rapid shifts to remote service models, unsustainable stress, high turnover, and unprecedented mental health challenges impacting both leadership and staff.

Lessons learned that can be applied to strengthen DV systems against future crises were also identified. These include dealing with changes in funding and funding requirements, making permanent effective virtual services, and addressing persistent racial, ethnic, tribal, and rural disparities.

Discussion: The impacts from the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and DV were unique but can be applied to planning, preparedness, and response for future disasters and emergencies that are expected to increase risk for victims and survivors. Identifying and applying these lessons learned is critical since climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of disaster events, and thus, the risk of exposure to DV. This growing risk will require focused learning during pandemic recovery to address the structural, social, and racial equity and justice issues identified during the pandemic response within DV systems. It also underscores the urgent need for ongoing support and adaptation in DV services to mitigate future disruptions and foster sustainable crisis response capabilities within the DV sector.