HELP DESK
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ON THE RISE DURING LOCKDOWN
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Intimate partner violence has increased during COVID-19 isolation. Therefore, health care providers should be aware of the signs of intimate partner violence and learn strategies to safely ask about injuries, argues a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
“Measures to minimize the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reinforce environments that facilitate behaviours that an intimate partner may use to exert power over another to inflict psychological, physical or sexual harm,” says Dr. Prism Schneider, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
“The stress of confinement, financial uncertainty, attitudes about gender roles and a desire for control during disasters all contribute to an increased risk of intimate partner violence.”
China, Italy and Spain have reported increases in calls to emergency support lines; some areas of the United Kingdom and France have had police reports of violence increase by 20 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively; and crisis lines in Canada have seen large jumps in the number of calls. The frequency of intimate partner violence increased markedly during the economic downturn after Hurricane Katrina, suggesting that those affected will continue to be at risk long after the current phase of the pandemic ends.
“Health care providers, although facing the need to learn many new skills related to COVID-19, must also maintain awareness of intimate partner violence, seek opportunities for self-education, develop strategies for discussing intimate partner violence and become familiar with currently available local resources for patient referral,” write the authors.
One in three women visiting an emergency department for trauma has been injured by her partner, and orthopaedic clinics also see large volumes of patients who have experienced intimate partner violence.
Evidence supports direct questioning by a health care provider in a private environment if they suspect injuries from violence, as many women will not offer this information without prompting.
“The onus is on health practitioners to begin the conversation with patients who may have experienced intimate partner violence,” write the authors.
As many physicians have moved to telemedicine consults to maintain physical distancing, Canada has launched a Safe Word campaign and a Signal for Help campaign for patients to send a silent request for help.
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ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME? HELP IS AT HAND
The new Wellness Together Canada Portal can guide you to support and resources.
COVID-19 has placed significant strain on individuals and families across the country who are being challenged in a number of ways because of isolation, financial and employment uncertainty and disruptions to daily life.
If you are struggling at home with anxiety, fear, violence, depression, problematic substance use or any other mental health concerns, there is help.
Adults and youth can find a full range of resources through the new Wellness Together Canada mental health and substance use support portal.
This service provides free online tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed.
These also include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues.
You can access the portal through:
• Canada.ca/coronavirus or the Canada COVID-19 App.
• Twitter.com/GouvCanHealth, twitter.com/CPHO_Canada, facebook.com/HealthyCdns.
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus.