Violence Victim Advocates: The Forgotten COVID-19 First Responders

Background/Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of professionals have been on the frontlines of providing important services and support in their communities. In addition to those typically recognized as first responders (e.g., emergency medical service personnel, firefighters, healthcare providers), other professionals have remained essential and on the frontlines of service delivery. Victim advocates represent one such group of professionals. Anecdotal and preliminary research suggests that intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence and assault (SVA), and human trafficking (HT) remained prevalent during the pandemic. Moreover, COVID-19 and related measures intended to reduce its spread exacerbated vulnerabilities associated with violence victimization. To maintain provision of necessary services, victim advocates have continued to serve IPV, SVA, and HT survivors. As part of a larger project, this exploratory study examines the experiences of victim advocates as COVID-19 first responders.

Methods: Five focus groups and one interview were conducted via Zoom with 32 practice experts in the area of IPV, SVA, and HT victim services. The focus group and interview discussions were facilitated using a semi-structured, standardized guide comprised of open-ended questions, prompts, and space for capturing detailed field notes. The standardized guide focused on service delivery during COVID-19, including changes in service demand, service provision challenges, service adaptations, and recommendations. All discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and checked for accuracy. Multiple coders analyzed the transcripts in Dedoose using content analysis techniques. An initial list of codes was developed based on the research questions, extant literature, and coding of two representative transcripts. Throughout the coding and analysis process, the coders engaged in memoing, negative case analysis, and constant comparison procedures.

Results: Four key themes emerged from the data: (1) trauma, (2) burnout, (3) work-related conflicts, and (4) supporting advocates. Participants noted that victim advocates have been responding to trauma while also experiencing trauma. They highlighted that survivors’ needs are compounded by trauma related to COVID-19 and social injustices, and that victim advocates are experiencing these pandemics alongside their clients. Participants also stressed that the pivot to remote service delivery has increased burnout among victim advocates. In addition to the difficulty of balancing work and home responsibilities, victim advocates were spending more time on video conferencing platforms and were socially isolated from co-workers who typically provide emotional support that can mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma. Victim advocates were also experiencing conflict with co-workers regarding how to respond to COVID-19 and continue serving clients. Overall, participants stressed the need for more intentionality concerning supporting victim advocates at IPV, SVA, and HT organizations.

Conclusions/Implications: Victim advocates have been important first responders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, serving IPV, SVA, and HT survivors while navigating the pandemic has presented numerous challenges for victim advocates that have likely affected their mental health and well-being. Victim service delivery organizations should consider how best to support their advocates, prevent burnout, and foster human connection among staff. Based on study findings, potential strategies for supporting victim advocates during COVID-19 and other public health emergencies or times of heightened stress will be offered.