The impact of COVID-19 on domestic violence service users and their social workers

Abstract

This research will demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which COVID-19 has impacted victims of domestic violence and also their respective social workers. This data was collected through semi-structured interviews with six social workers who work directly with domestic violence service users. These were transcribed and analysed using thematic data analysis. Social workers’ views varied in relation to certain aspects explored, but there were also similarities in their views in relation to a number of other aspects. Feeling not enough support was available for them was a constant emotion experienced by social workers in this sector during the pandemic. Social workers also felt overwhelmed due to the high demands of the service. They also expressed fear that came out from the uncertainty of the pandemic as well as frustration due to all the limitations that social workers were facing, such as when seeking services for clients. On the other hand, victims also experienced difficult times during the pandemic, such as financial struggles, reporting and contact difficulties, barriers and mental health struggles. Additionally, the impact COVID-19 had on the elderly, child to parent violence and on the children who witness the abuse was also brought up. However, there were also some positive effects of the pandemic, such as the resilience that was shown by these women. This showed that even during tough times like these, there is always something positive which comes out of it.