Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration complied resources for Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Americans are required to stay home to protect themselves and their communities. However, the home may not be safe for many families who experience domestic violence, which may include both intimate partners and children. COVID-19 has caused major economic devastation, disconnected many from community resources and support systems, and created widespread uncertainty and panic. Such conditions may stimulate violence in families where it didn’t exist before and worsen situations in homes where mistreatment and violence has been a problem. Violence in the home has an overall cost to society, leading to potentially adverse physical and mental health outcomes, including a higher risk of chronic disease, substance use, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and risky sexual behaviors. Further, victims of domestic violence including intimate partner abuse and child abuse are at great risk for injuries including death.”