Examining The Effects Of COVID-19 Related Measures On Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in BC, Canada

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Many unintended adverse outcomes emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in BC, Canada, including increases in intimate partner violence (IPV), mental health issues, drug/alcohol addictions/overdoses, and unemployment. The current study examined the effects of COVID-19 health measures (e.g., lockdowns, social distancing) on the frequency of IPV exposure among women residing in BC, Canada. A total of 1,504 adult women were recruited using non-probabilistic quota sampling to participate in a survey. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression modelling was used to explore the relationship between women’s frequency of exposure to physical IPV and measures of psychological health, social support, and COVID-19-related experiences. Results indicated that women who reported higher anxiety (β = 0.16), more tangible (β = 0.22), but less emotional-informational social supports (β = -0.24) experienced higher frequencies of physical IPV. Women who experienced issues accessing addiction (β = 0.64), anger management (β = 0.85), legal services (β = 0.86), and childcare services (β = 0.81) during the pandemic reported a greater frequency of physical IPV incidents. We extrapolated that COVID-19 related stressors may compound ongoing physical or psychological health effects associated with IPV victimization. Implications for service providers and social policies are discussed.

Authors

• Amanda Champion, Simon Fraser University

• Hana Ryu, Simon Fraser University

• April Miin Miin Chai, Texas State University

• Richard Frank, Simon Fraser University