On the Front Lines of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Occupational Experiences of the intimate Partner Violence and Sexual assault Workforce

Authors

Leila Wood
Rachel Voth Schrag
Elizabeth Baumler
Dixie Hairston
Shannon Guillot-Wright
Elizabeth Torres
Jeff R Temple

Publication Date

6-1-2022

Journal

Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

In the face of increasing risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to understand the experiences of the workforce providing support to survivors, as well as the evolving service delivery methods, shifting safety planning approaches, and occupational stress of frontline workers. We addressed this gap by conducting an online survey of members of IPV and sexual assault workforce using a broad, web-based recruitment strategy. In total, 352 staff from 24 states participated. We collaborated with practitioner networks and anti-violence coalitions to develop the brief survey, which included questions about work and health, safety planning, and stress. We used chi-square,

Keywords

COVID-19, Female, Humans, Intimate Partner Violence, Occupational Stress, Pandemics, Sex Offenses, Workforce