The possible impact of increased physical intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic on ocular health

Abstract

During the COVID-19 outbreak, sheltering at home has led to an increase in physical intimate partner violence cases. Intimate partner violence–sustained ocular injuries may be higher during the pandemic due to the increase in physical intimate partner violence. Left untreated, intimate partner violence–related ocular or orbital trauma can lead to permanent vision loss. Even with treatment, patients often lose vision from intimate partner violence–related traumatic ocular injuries. Eye care providers and eye care facilities should understand the community services available to intimate partner violence survivors to better care for these patients. Due to the potential lasting economic burden and social strain of this pandemic, eye care providers and facilities should stay vigilant as there may still be a sustained increase in intimate partner violence even after the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Spatial Vision Inequalities: A Literature Review of the Impact of Place on Vision and Eye Health Outcomes

“…Violent crimes can also lead to ocular injuries from gun violence or intimate partner violence, or for other as yet unidentified causes. 38 , 39 Truong and colleagues, 40 using the 2008–2014 National Trauma Data Bank, reported that 3.7% of those in the databank had firearm-associated ocular injuries, including orbital fractures (38.6%) and open globe injuries (34.7%). Injuries most frequently occurred at home (43.8%) followed by on the street (21.4%).…”

“…Almost half (45%) of intimate partner violence injuries involved an eye injury, a rate that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. 38 …”

The Splintered Mind and Path to a Healed Society: The State of Indiana Should Mandate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Domestic Violence Batterers

“…142 As more individuals spent more time at home due to Covid-19's lockdown, there has been an increase in domestic violence incidents. 143 The policies of social distancing, self-isolation and lockdown adopted as a result of Covid-19 had an impact on the number of domestic violence occurrences primarily because perpetrators have more opportunities to assert power and dominance over the victim. 144 Due to the policies adopted as a result of Covid-19, access to domestic violence services for the victims are limited, putting victims at a higher risk for serious injury or death, and making it difficult for health care professionals to manage domestic violence cases amidst the Covid-19 demand.…”