Examining organization and provider challenges with the adoption of virtual domestic violence and sexual assault interventions in Alberta, Canada, during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES: In Canada, calls to domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as stricter public health restrictions took effect in parts of the country. Moreover, the public health measures introduced to limit the transmission of COVID-19 saw many health providers abruptly pivot to providing services virtually, with little to no opportunity to plan for this switch. We carried out a qualitative research study to understand the resulting challenges experienced by providers of domestic violence and sexual assault support services. METHODS: Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather in-depth information from service providers and organizational leaders in the Canadian province of Alberta about the challenges they experienced adopting virtual and remote-based domestic violence and sexual assault interventions during the COVID-19 outbreak. Interview transcripts and field notes were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Our findings highlighted multiple challenges organizations, service providers and clients experienced. These included: (1) systemic (macro-level) challenges pertaining to policies, legislation and funding availability, (2) organization and provider (meso-level) challenges related to adapting services and programmes online or for remote delivery and (3) provider perceptions of client (micro-level) challenges related to accessing virtual interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Equity-focused policy and intersectional and systemic action are needed to enhance delivery and access to virtual interventions and services for domestic violence and sexual assault clients.