“He Didn’t Start Jumping on Me Until the Lockdowns”: Victim and Advocate Intimate Partner Violence Experiences Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic

Violence Against Women. 2025 May 14:10778012251341258. doi: 10.1177/10778012251341258. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the experiences of intimate partner violence victims and advocates across three timeframes: before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic. Utilizing self-administered questionnaires, findings indicate that victims faced increased barriers to seeking help during the pandemic, including limited access to crisis intervention and support resources. Advocates reported adapting their strategies to provide remote support but also highlighted significant challenges in maintaining effective communication with victims. The post-pandemic phase reveals a complex landscape where some victims have regained access to resources while others continue to struggle with lingering effects of isolation and trauma.

PMID:40368399 | DOI:10.1177/10778012251341258