That Must Have Felt like Living on Eggshells All the Time: A Qualitative Study on Perspectives of Intimate Partner Violence and Stressors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S

Background and Purpose: Preliminary research indicates that intimate partner violence (IPV) rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but more research is needed to understand the factors associated with the increase in IPV during this time. Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic intensified factors that predispose survivors to violence, such as social isolation, strained family relationships, increased difficulty in taking care of children, physical health, fear of infection, and the threat of reduced income, along with conflicting views regarding COVID-19. The study aims to increase our understanding of IPV experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically addressing the following research question: How do IPV prevention educators perceive pandemic-related IPV rates and stressors for survivors of IPV including gender differences in these factors?

Methods: Using listservs and snowball sampling, IPV prevention educators were recruited for individual interviews. All interested participants completed a brief screener survey to ensure they meet study qualifications around age (over 18) and location (U.S.-based). Ph.D. students and the PI of the study interviewed 25 participants via Zoom. A $25 gift card was offered to all participants. Dedoose qualitative data analysis software was used for coding. Using a coding scheme developed from the interview guide, the initial content-coding of transcriptions identified relevant categories. Several rounds of iterative coding were conducted to refine the coding scheme and ensure consistency among the coders.

Results. The participants discussed their perceptions of survivors’ experiences of IPV during the pandemic in terms of pandemic-related interpersonal violence and stressors. Most participants in this study perceived a change in rates of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many noting either an increase in intensity or rates of IPV due to victims being isolated from society and various stressors born or exacerbated during the pandemic. Participants particularly noted an increase in violence against women as male abusers were locked down at home with the survivors instead of being at work during the day. The increased intensity of IPV had a noticeable impact on the physical, mental, and financial well-being of the survivors affected by violence. Additionally, some participants pointed out that lost jobs, homes, and/or loved ones due to illness created stress and further exacerbated the intensity and amount of violence perpetrated by the abusive partner.

Conclusions and Implications. This study demonstrates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on survivors of IPV, as prevention educators indicated a perceived increase in IPV rates and severity of violence. The gendered nature of IPV was discussed by participants, particularly in reference to employment and work-related issues. This information is crucial as it allows agencies to take action in order to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic and to establish programs to help survivors who are dealing with the trauma of IPV. These results can be used to plan responses to future natural and man-made disasters that may exacerbate IPV rates or severity to mitigate associated negative outcomes of IPV.