During a public crisis (such as, the COVID-19 pandemic) that disrupts daily life, it is essential to recognize and support those experiencing or using intimate partner violence (IPV). For individuals experiencing IPV, any disruption to normal life or access to services can mean increased potential for harm. This often occurs during natural disasters or human-based disasters, such as fires, chemical spills, and mass violence. It’s vital to consider special considerations to support the experience of violence during disasters including ensuring continued access to resources, support, and services. Those who use violence may experience increased stress during a disaster as a result of many factors, such as reduced access to basic needs, food, water, or shelter. Seeking assistance in hospitals, court houses and other public service agencies may also be limited.

The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) has Coordinators in VA facilities available for support of veteran families and may help offer referrals to partners in the community. Please learn more about IPVAP at https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp. I’ve shared some of the resources they reference below:

Learn more about VA IPVAP and Other VA Services:

• Nationwide VA IPVAP Coordinator Roster
• Veterans Crisis Line
• National Center for PTSD Resources for Managing Stress
• Women’s Veteran Healthcare Website

IPVAP Produced Resources:

• Intimate Partner Violence & Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Response: VA Staff Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Staying Safe During COVID-19: Patient Fact Sheet (PDF)

News articles for Awareness (not VA publications):

• “Home Is Not A Safe Place For Everyone” *
• “Trapped at home: Coronavirus could be disastrous for domestic violence victims” *
• “If You Are Locked Down with Someone Who May Become Violent” *
•  “Who’s most at risk for COVID-19? It’s probably not you” *
• “As Cities Around the World Go on Lockdown, Victims of DV Look For A Way Out” *

Disaster Specific Resources: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• National Domestic Violence Hotline *
• NNNEDV Resources for Coronavirus *
• Futures Without Violence Information on Coronavirus *
• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Response in Times of Disaster *
• DV and Natural Disasters Curriculum, NNEDV Economic Justice Summit, 2018 *
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence *
• myPlan App: Safety Planning Application *

Building Healthy Relationships:

• VA Whole Health
• 125 Ideas for Kids During COVID19 *
• Coping with Loneliness *

With stay-at-home orders keeping people inside, opportunities to escape are more difficult for many. This guide offers advice on the steps to take towards financial and physical freedom while outlining helpful resources for continued support.