December 21, 2020

On the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Occupational Experiences of the Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault Workforce

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Mental Health and Personal Impact

Keywords (Tags): health care workers, personal impact

A survey of professionals providing support to survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault indicated that since the start of the pandemic, support staff are experiencing more personal and professional stressors, perceive a decrease in client safety, and lack resources needed to help survivors and themselves. Common problems included a lack of food or supplies at home and work, and housing and financial support, for survivors. In addition, a 51% increase in the use of video conference for work was reported, which contributed to workforce strain. 

Wood et al. (Dec 17, 2020). On the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Occupational Experiences of the Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault Workforce. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520983304