The Shadow Pandemic: COVID-19 Impact on the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Brain Injury

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects up to 1 in 3 women over their lifetime and has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although most injuries are to the head, face and neck, the intersection of IPV and brain injury (BI) remains largely unrecognized. Our main objective was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on survivors and service providers. DESIGN: This project used a qualitative, participatory approach using semi-structured individual or group interviews. Interviews were conducted via videoconferencing, audio recorded, and transcribed. Transcripts were thematically analyzed by the research team to identify themes. SETTING: The study took place in the general community and included participants from across Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Purposeful sampling through the team's national Knowledge-to-Practice (K2P) Network and snowball sampling were used to recruit 24 participants across 4 categories: survivors, executive directors/managers of organizations serving survivors, direct service providers, and employer/union representatives. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: N/A. RESULTS: COVID-19 has increased rates and severity of IPV and barriers to services, both in terms of provision and uptake. Three main themes emerged: (1) implications for women survivors of IPV/BI; (2) implications for service delivery and service providers supporting women survivors of IPV/BI; and (3) key priorities. Increased risk, complex challenges to mental health, and the impact on employment were discussed. Adaptability and flexibility of service delivery were identified as significant issues and increased outreach and adaptation of technology-based services were noted as key priorities. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified IPV/BI, increased challenges for women survivors and service providers, and accentuated the continued lack of IPV/BI awareness. Recommendations for service delivery and uptake are discussed. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: Nothing to disclose.