The study by researchers from the Centre for Academic Primary Care and Centre for Gender and Violence Research at the University of Bristol explored how the pandemic had impacted people’s assessment of abusive situations and their ability to provide informal support.
The research team found creative ways informal supporters used to remain in contact included included establishing support bubbles with survivors, even at the cost of forming a bubble with another family member or breaking lockdown rules; adapting WhatsApp messages monitored by the perpetrator to keep communication channels open; communicating through a third-party contact; keeping an eye on the survivor’s activity on social media accounts; and bridging the gap when professional services support was affected by the pandemic.
Dr Alison Gregory, Research Fellow (Traumatised and Vulnerable Populations) at the Centre for Academic Primary Care and lead author of the study said: “Positive support from friends, family members, neighbours, and colleagues is often vital for women experiencing domestic abuse, and despite the additional challenges presented by the pandemic, many people have remained keen to help. They have found creative solutions for overcoming the obstacles around remaining in touch, and offering assistance, but we need to empower and equip informal supporters, so we don’t impose an impossible burden on them.”
The study, funded by the AXA Research Fund and published in Journal of Family Violence, also found that the pandemic had made it more difficult for informal supporters to read situations and assess risk; perpetrators were exploiting the pandemic to further abuse; and it was more difficult than usual to offer support.
The data were gathered in 18 in-depth interviews with people who knew a female friend, relative, neighbour or colleague who had experienced domestic abuse. Participants were aged 25-69 years, three were men and fifteen were women.
The findings are part of a larger study exploring the role of informal supporters of women who experience domestic abuse. More information about the study ‘Building resilience in the ‘forgotten heroes’ can be found on the study website.
Paper: ‘I Think it Just Made Everything Very Much More Intense’: A Qualitative Secondary Analysis Exploring The Role Of Friends and Family Providing Support to Survivors of Domestic Abuse During The COVID-19 Pandemic by Alison Gregory and Emma Williamson. Published in Journal of Family Violence. 28 June 2021.