The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Domestic Violence Risk Factors and Service Provision

• In Event: Victim Service Providers, Provisions, and Technologies: Exploring Efforts to Serve the Needs and Experiences of Victims of Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

Although there is some empirical evidence that the pandemic has affected rates and outcomes associated with domestic violence (DV), more research is necessary. This study compares risk factors and service provision before 16 DV agencies in Connecticut moved to remote operations in March 2020 to the 6 months after doing so. Data on risk factors were initially collected during a police-social service intervention during which officers screened victims for risk of fatal DV using the Lethality Assessment Program screening tool. The DV agencies recorded the women’s responses as well as noted the services provided to victims upon first contact. Data were randomly selected from a larger dataset; there were 325 women in the “pre-COVID” group and 332 in the “during COVID” group. Results revealed that, of the 11 risk factors assessed, the only one that increased significantly was unemployment of the perpetrator. In addition, there was an increase in law enforcement-based services and a decrease in criminal justice-related services. Data suggest the combination of unemployment and stay-at-home orders during the pandemic may have contributed to an increase of law enforcement services for DV victims. Results indicate the need for further research and collaboration between researchers and the service community.

Authors

• Leila B Dutton, University of New Haven

• Tracy Tamborra, University of New Haven

• Amber Amin, University of New Haven