Addressing intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: how radiologists can make a difference

Abstract

Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries both in Europe and across the world implemented strict stay-at-home orders. These measures helped to slow the spread of the coronavirus but also led to increased mental and physical health issues for the domestically confined population, including an increase in the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in many countries. IPV is defined as behavior that inflicts physical, psychological, or sexual harm within an intimate relationship. We believe that as radiologists, we can make a difference by being cognizant of this condition, raising an alert when appropriate and treating suspected victims with care and empathy. The aim of this Special Report is to raise awareness of IPV among radiologists and to suggest strategies by which to identify and support IPV victims. Key Points • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked increase in the number of intimate partner violence (IPV) cases, potentially leading to increased emergency department visits and radiological examinations. • Most IPV-related fractures affect the face, fingers, and upper trunk, and may easily be misinterpreted as routine trauma. • Radiologists should carefully review the medical history of suspicious cases, discuss the suspicion with the referring physician, and proactively engage in a private conversation with the patient, pointing to actionable resources for IPV victims. Keywords Intimate partner violence. Domestic violence. Radiology. Wounds and injuries. Coronavirus Abbreviations CT Computed tomography ED Emergency department IPV Intimate partner violence LGBT Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender COVID-19: a catalyst for intimate partner violence In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most governments of Asian, European, Australian, and American countries enacted nationwide lockdowns ordering the closure

Upper extremity injuries in the victims of intimate partner violence

“…We believe our study provides a basis for future studies in this field to define injury patterns linked to IPV and establishing an objective basis for identifying victims, similar to pediatric non-accidental injuries. As per the recommendations of Matoori et al [27], when radiologists suspect IPV based on imaging findings, they must alert the treating physician which should lead to a confidential conversation with the patient. If the patient confirms IPV, standard institutional practice must be followed, and if the patient denies IPV, he/she can be offered actionable resources in the event of a future need [27].…”

Preparing for future waves and pandemics: a global hospital survey on infection control measures and infection rates in COVID-19

“…Most importantly, we cannot determine if the COVID-19 positive hospital HCWs were infected in the hospital or outside. Indeed, the true extent of COVID-19 is difficult to assess [ 14 , 15 ]. Another limitation of the study is that the questionnaire was filled out when some countries were still in the first wave while others were past the first wave (e.g., China).…”

COVID-19-induced surge in the severity of gender-based violence might increase the risk for acquired brain injuries

“…3 – 6 Although these mitigation strategies have assisted in curbing the overall progression of COVID-19, 7 they have also created numerous hardships including health-related predicaments for vulnerable populations. 8 Among those unduly affected marginalized groups, 9 – 11 female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) have potentially taken one of the hardest hits. 1 , 11 , 12 IPV is any form of physical, psychological, verbal, or sexual abuse perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner, 13 which affects about one in three females globally.…”

“… 11 , 18 Yet, the true incidence of IPV may be even higher as these crimes are generally underreported. 18 , 19 While the reported 20%–50% 12 , 20 increase in IPV worldwide in 2020 8 , 11 , 21 is one public health concern, another emerging health problem likely fueled by mitigation strategies is the rise in the severity of physical abuse in female survivors during COVID-19. 1 , 22 A recent study conducted at an urban medical center demonstrated that the incidence of severe physical IPV (e.g.…”

“…Notwithstanding, the urgent discussion of IPV-related ABI is lacking from academic and media reports that have identified the rise in COVID-19-induced violence. 8 , 11 , 21 , 23 A preliminary search of one of the academic databases revealed 28 results for IPV and COVID-19, 13 results for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and COVID-19, and no (0) results on TBI and COVID-19 and IPV. Similarly, a search for COVID-19 and strangulation and IPV yielded zero results related to IPV.…”