Abstract:This article discusses aspects of the emerging evidence around the impact of COVID‐19 on violence against women as well as local government interventions relating to the prevention of domestic violence in Latin American countries. I show how, during the coronavirus outbreak, local governments are vital in the prevention of violence against women and girls, and I present examples of some local actions that seek to guarantee access to the appropriate support and services during the pandemic.
“…Access to GBV service utilization remained unequal during the pandemic particularly for migrants, refugees, and displaced people, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women with disabilities, adolescents, and LGBTQ individuals. The burden of the crisis on historically oppressed groups was consistent with other reports that found Black, migrant, Trans, Indigenous, and Roma women were particularly affected by GBV amid COVID-19 in Latin America [ 51 ], as were Black, low-income women in South Africa [ 45 ]. Addressing the impact of COVID-19 and GBV on historically oppressed groups through programmatic, policy, and funding efforts is thus an important undertaking.…”
Introduction
Gender-based violence (GBV) policies and services in the United States (U.S.) have historically been underfunded and siloed from other health services. Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports emerged noting increases in GBV and disruption of health services but few studies have empirically investigated these impacts. This study examines how the existing GBV funding and policy landscape, COVID-19, and resulting state policies in the first six months of the pandemic affect GBV health service provision in the U.S.
Methods
This is a mixed method study consisting of 1) an analysis of state-by-state emergency response policies review; 2) a quantitative analysis of a survey of U.S.-based GBV service providers (N = 77); and 3) a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with U.S.-based GBV service providers (N = 11). Respondents spanned a range of organization types, populations served, and states.
Results
Twenty-one states enacted protections for GBV survivors and five states included explicit exemptions from non-essential business closures for GBV service providers. Through the surveys and interviews, GBV service providers note three major themes on COVID-19’s impact on GBV services: reductions in GBV service provision and quality and increased workload, shifts in service utilization, and funding impacts. Findings also indicate GBV inequities were exacerbated for historically underserved groups.
Discussion
The noted disruptions on GBV services from the COVID-19 pandemic overlaid long-term policy and funding limitations that left service providers unprepared for the challenges posed by the pandemic. Future policies, in emergency and non-emergency contexts, should recognize GBV as essential care and ensure comprehensive services for clients, particularly members of historically underserved groups.
“…Access to GBV service utilization remained unequal during the pandemic particularly for migrants, refugees, and displaced people, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women with disabilities, adolescents, and LGBTQ individuals. The burden of the crisis on historically oppressed groups was consistent with other reports that found Black, migrant, Trans, Indigenous, and Roma women were particularly affected by GBV amid COVID-19 in Latin America [ 51 ], as were Black, low-income women in South Africa [ 45 ]. Addressing the impact of COVID-19 and GBV on historically oppressed groups through programmatic, policy, and funding efforts is thus an important undertaking.…”
Introduction
Gender-based violence (GBV) policies and services in the United States (U.S.) have historically been underfunded and siloed from other health services. Soon after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports emerged noting increases in GBV and disruption of health services but few studies have empirically investigated these impacts. This study examines how the existing GBV funding and policy landscape, COVID-19, and resulting state policies in the first six months of the pandemic affect GBV health service provision in the U.S.
Methods
This is a mixed method study consisting of 1) an analysis of state-by-state emergency response policies review; 2) a quantitative analysis of a survey of U.S.-based GBV service providers (N = 77); and 3) a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with U.S.-based GBV service providers (N = 11). Respondents spanned a range of organization types, populations served, and states.
Results
Twenty-one states enacted protections for GBV survivors and five states included explicit exemptions from non-essential business closures for GBV service providers. Through the surveys and interviews, GBV service providers note three major themes on COVID-19’s impact on GBV services: reductions in GBV service provision and quality and increased workload, shifts in service utilization, and funding impacts. Findings also indicate GBV inequities were exacerbated for historically underserved groups.
Discussion
The noted disruptions on GBV services from the COVID-19 pandemic overlaid long-term policy and funding limitations that left service providers unprepared for the challenges posed by the pandemic. Future policies, in emergency and non-emergency contexts, should recognize GBV as essential care and ensure comprehensive services for clients, particularly members of historically underserved groups.
“… [19] , [20] Furthermore, women with easier access to specialized services are more likely to report domestic violence and remain engaged with the prosecution. [21] …”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…In this review were included 18 articles [1] , [4] , [8] , [9] , [10] , [12] , [14] , [17] , [19] , [21] , [22] , [23] , [29] , [32] , [38] , [41] , [42] , [48] each of which was read twice, following the “Double-Check” procedure.…”
“…Local government and non-governmental organisations responded to pandemic related increases by launching hotlines and online resources, but the healthcare sector has yet to contribute meaningfully. 9 Reports of domestic violence from the Brazilian healthcare sector fell by 34% compared with 2019, for example. 10 Services for victims of sexual violence and sexual health services more generally have also been affected by the pandemic.…”
mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Domestic violence was increasing even before the pandemic in Brazil because of cuts in social and healthcare funding and to support programmes. Local government and non-governmental organisations responded to pandemic related increases by launching hotlines and online resources, but the healthcare sector has yet to contribute meaningfully 9. Reports of domestic violence from the Brazilian healthcare sector fell by 34% compared with 2019, for example 10.…”
Domestic violence and abuse is a violation of human rights that damages the health and wellbeing of survivors and their families. Although both men and women are affected, incidence and severity are much greater for women: the World Health Organization recently estimated that a third of women worldwide experience domestic violence or abuse in their lifetime. 1 Competing interests: We have read and understood BMJ policy on declaration of interests and have no interests to declare.
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