Health care practitioners’ responsibility to address intimate partner violence related to the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

issued a statement warning that rates of widespread intimate partner violence (IPV) will increase owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including intimate partner femicides. 1 Measures to minimize the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinforce environments that facilitate behaviours used by one person within an intimate relationship to exert power over and inflict physical, psychological or sexual harm on another. 2 The stress of confinement, financial uncertainty, attitudes about gender roles and a desire for control during disasters all contribute to an increased risk of IPV. 3,4 During their recent lockdowns, China, Italy and Spain reported a substantial increase in calls to IPV emergency support lines. 5 Areas of the United Kingdom and France have seen increases of 20% and 30%, respectively, in police reports regarding IPV. In Canada, calls to the Vancouver Battered Women's Support Services have tripled, 6 while in Alberta, specialized crisis lines for IPV have seen a 30%-50% increase in calls. In Ontario, the York and Durham Regional Police Departments reported a 22% increase in domestic incidents and sexual assault reports. 7 Health care providers, although facing the need to learn many new skills related to COVID-19, must also maintain awareness of IPV, seek opportunities for self-education, develop strategies for discussing IPV and become familiar with currently available local resources for patient referral.Intimate partner violence is already the most common cause of nonfatal injury to women worldwide. 3 Even in the absence of a public health emergency, women have a 30% estimated lifetime prevalence of physical and sexual IPV. 2 Worldwide, a woman is killed by their intimate partner every 6 days. 7 Health care professionals frequently encounter victims of IPV. One in 3 women presenting to the emergency department after a trauma have been injured by their partner, and 1 in 6 women presenting to an orthopedic fracture clinic have experienced IPV in the previous 12 months. 8 Of women murdered by their intimate partner, 45% presented to a health care professional for treatment of an IPV injury in the 2 years before their death. 3 Identified risk indicators for IPV include lower socioeconomic status, inadequate social supports, low education level, substance abuse, mental illness, younger age, unintended pregnancy, financial dependency and employment status. 4,9 However, IPV affects all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic strata, ages and relationship statuses. 8 Because of discrimination or prejudgment, individuals who have experienced IPV may be overlooked. 2 Head and neck trauma and upper extremity injuries are the most common physical health care presentations related to IPV. 3 Unfortunately, only 14% of patients presenting to health care practitioners with IPV-related injuries are asked questions to identify IPV and initiate support. 9 For patients in whom the health care practitioner suspects IPV, best evidence supports direct questioning about I...

Intimate partner violence against reproductive age women during COVID-19 pandemic in northern Ethiopia 2020: a community-based cross-sectional study

“…In this study, 24.6% (95% CI, 21.4, 28) women reported to have suffered all types of violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is higher than a study conducted on violence against women by their husband or friend in the UK [6]. This variance might be due to deference in the time of the study as well as the socio-demographic difference of the study populations.…”

“…In several areas of the UK, France, Alberta call reports have increased by 20, 30% and 30-50%, respectively. In Ontario, a regional police's report constitutes a 22% cases of domestic violence and sexual assault [6].…”

Violence against women during the COVID‐19 pandemic: An integrative review

“…The use of “traditional” paths, such as reaching out to shelters, victim support centers, police departments and helplines, and preparing a security plan, has been combined with the use of virtual channels, such as websites and messaging applications. Security precautions such as clearing history of use, calls, and messages should be taken when using them 9,13,21,28,29,31 …”

“…The multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach is presented as key in the analyzed articles 18,20,24,33,35,44 . In addition, many formulate questions regarding the role of local and national governments 9,11,21,27,45 …”

“…The integration of a gender perspective in statistics, impact assessments, and actions in crises are recommended, 9,27,29,30 as well as maintaining and ensuring access to services focused on women’s sexual and reproductive health 30,33,34 . The long‐term nature of the impact of the pandemic highlights the importance of implementing actions to prevent and confront domestic and family violence against women 8,21,24,41 …”