The Impacts of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, Survivors and Advocates

Item

Media
ErinRitchie_PP_2024.pdf
Title
The Impacts of COVID-19 on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, Survivors and Advocates
Creator
Erin A. Ritchie
Degree Name
professional_project
Master of Science in Justice Studies
Project Type
professional_project
Date
6/15/2024
Abstract
Domestic and sexual violence impact approximately one in four women and one in seven men in the United States. In response, community-based agencies dedicated to serve survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault provide confidential services including safety planning, emotional support, shelter, and resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to law enforcement and these agencies concerning domestic violence surged. Consequently, agencies had to adapt their services to address the COVID-19 social distancing policies and the increasing frequency and severity of violence faced by survivors. Through an analysis of research articles, key themes emerged regarding shifts in service provision and their effects on survivors and agency staff. Findings reveal that agencies transitioned to include remote service provision, reduced shelter capacity, and scaled back mobile advocacy services. Survivors encountered barriers in accessing services due to heightened monitoring by abusers, limited availability of emergency shelters, and decreased in-person mobile advocacy response to other service providers. Advocacy staff experienced unsustainable levels of stress, inadequate access to personal protective equipment, and high turnover rates. These findings underscore the urgent need for increased funding and capacity for domestic violence and sexual assault agencies, as well as improved policies for disaster and crisis response.
Keywords
gender-based violence, community-based advocacy, survivor-centered advocacy
Rights
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 6/29/2024, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
License
CC-BY (attribution)
Language
English
Type
Text