Challenges and Adaptations Experienced by Intimate Partner Violence Service Providers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: COVID-19 is an unprecedented pandemic that has caused an increase in the intimate partner violence (IPV) victims rate, and social service-providing agencies shifted to emergency online and distance service-providing systems. In our study, we aimed to explore the experiences of IPV service providers during this pandemic.Method: We used a cross-sectional qualitative method containing some quantitative questions. Data were collected by conducting 15 in-depth interviews and a survey with the service providers (22–65 years old) from six IPV service-providing agencies that are located in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex in North Central Texas. We used a phenomenological hermeneutical method to capture the service providers’ experiences.Results: Four key themes highlight the essence of the experiences of the IPV service providers while providing the services during COVID-19. The four major themes are (a) experiences with telehealth, (b) barriers to social and legal services, (c) altered relationships, and (d) mental health impacts. In addition, a few subthemes are explored under the first three major themes. The service providers we interviewed provided details and vital information regarding challenges, adaptations, and resilience they experienced to assist the most disadvantaged group of the population.Conclusion: This study will contribute to making attention to improving facilities, accessibility, and resources for both service providers and their clients. Findings highlight the need for agency owners and policymakers to consider more multimodal and creative solutions for such a vulnerable population and their service providers.