Practice Note: Domestic Violence Advocacy and Response to Intimate Partner Homicide in the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

The global pandemic has changed how frontline service providers respond to domestic violence (DV). Advocates see an increase in the severity and complexity of DV cases, with COVID-19 complicating decisions of DV survivors to seek help. Domestic Violence High Risk Teams (DVHRT) include police, probation and parole officers, prosecutors, medical professionals, and DV advocates uniquely poised to respond collaboratively to increased DV case numbers and escalating risk of lethality for DV survivors. Adapting intervention and advocacy to the online sphere carries challenges but also opportunities to help DV survivors and their communities find safety.

COVID-19 and Homicide Special Issue Introduction

“…Thus, the special issue begins with three practice notes that examine the ways that advocacy, policing, and community-engaged research have changed during this time. First, Dunne and Matthis (2022) identify that survivors of intimate partner violence faced higher risk of intimate partner homicide early in the pandemic, with practice experience indicating that abusers were more likely to obtain and use firearms against their partners during this time. Exacerbating danger, survivors faced difficult choices, overburdened systems, enhanced isolation, coercion, harassment from their partners, and elevated levels of stress.…”

“…While the virtual environment allows for meeting with people without physical proximity, it does not allow for the same relationship building and has halted in-person data collection efforts. As Dunne and Matthis (2022) relate, the success of virtual Domestic Violence High Risk Teams was predicated on relationship building that occurred in-person pre-pandemic. Swisher and AbiNader (2022) make the point that COVID-19 led to delays and backlogs which are not likely to be cleared soon; this, in turn, is likely to affect research within the criminal legal system for years to come.…”

“…This time was also marked by innovation and collaboration. Dunne and Matthis (2022) point out that the innovating that has been done in service provision is likely to be maintained for years to come and that this has the potential to enhance options and accessibility for survivors and for systems. As researchers and practitioners, it is particularly important that we continue to seek to understand the context of violence and homicide, the risks that natural and pathogenic disasters pose to community safety, and develop community-based prevention interventions.…”