Citation

Hegarty K. Aust. J. Gen. Pract. 2020; 49: e33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)

DOI

10.31128/AJGP-COVID-33

PMID

33051639

Abstract

Domestic violence (ie physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse by a partner) has wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families and communities, including poor physical and mental health1 and intergenerational trauma on children.2 The COVID-19 pandemic's effects on movement restriction and family finances appear to be exacerbating domestic violence incidence and creating barriers to help-seeking for women, men and children.3 Since COVID-19 restrictions, the national helpline, 1800RESPECT, has reported an increase in demand, while calls to the Men's Referral Service have simultaneously increased for those men who use domestic violence.4 Social isolation of women and their children, a common tactic that some men use as part of coercive control over their partners, will likely be worse during COVID-19 pandemic-related physical isolation.4 Further, economic stress, increased alcohol use and the fact that families are forced to spend a long time together without other supports can also be a context for more domestic violence and child abuse.5

A patient's general practitioner (GP) is the first professional person, after friends and family, told about domestic and sexual violence in Australia.6 There is a great opportunity for GPs to reach out to victims and perpetrators through face-to-face and telehealth appointments. However, this has to be done safely, by asking sensitively about experiences of feeling unsafe or afraid at home, and only doing so when the patient is definitely alone...

Language: en