Safety Planning in the Context of COVID-19: Data from Survivors and Advocates

Background and Purpose: Data point to a sharp increase in the rate and severity of intimate partner violence (IPV) as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as changes in the accessibility of survivor services (Piquero et al, 2020; Jaramillo, 2020; Wood et al, 2020). To support survivors and service providers seeking to enhance safety from IPV in this context, information is needed related to changing safety needs and shifting safety planning strategies. This study aimed to uncover survivors’ and service providers’ experiences with safety from IPV in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic, to identify the safety strategies used to mitigate the impact of violence, and to develop recommendations for providers engaged in safety planning activities.

Methods: A multiphasic mixed-methods approach was used to uncover safety needs and safety planning approaches during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, a quantitative web-based survey was completed by self-identified survivors of interpersonal violence (n = 53) and interpersonal violence service providers (n = 352) during three early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (April – June 2020). Then, a purposive sample of survey participants, including IPV service providers (n = 31) and survivors of interpersonal violence (n = 23) were approached to participate in qualitative follow-up semi-structured interviews from July-December 2020. Descriptive and bivariate analysis were used to understand quantitative data, while thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clark (2019) were used to explore qualitative data.

Results: Over 80% of participating survivors reported that relationship difficulties at home increased in the first three months of the pandemic. When asked about specific safety strategies, the three most common strategies used by survivors in the early phase of the pandemic were using social media to connect (60%); trying to avoid (51.2%) and staying in another room from (43.9%) people I live with. Further, 74% of service providers responded that the safety of their clients decreased at least ‘a little’ in the first three months of the pandemic. Qualitative data demonstrated shifts in safety needs, including increased material and mental health need linked to safety, COVID and health specific safety concerns, and risks related to increased dependence on technology for connection. Shifts were also identified in safety planning practices, including increased focus on safety assessment at the point of engagement, adding new modes for virtual safety planning services ‘on the fly,’ and addressing discrimination as a part of safety planning.

Conclusions and Implications: Survivors and service providers alike are facing new safety risks and new service opportunities. These findings highlight the specific safety challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as efforts made by service providers to enhance community service access, including virtual approaches and an increased ongoing emphases on the assessment of safety. Implications for ongoing care and future public health emergencies include a recognition of unique safety risks in moments of crisis as well as the need for enhanced training and capability related to virtual service provision.