THE EXPERIENCES OF SURVIVORS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK SERVICES

This article examines the experiences of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) during the Covid-19 pandemic and the implications for social work services. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected from 30 GBV survivors in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, selected through stratified sampling. The research also utilised qualitative insights from five social workers who are practitioners in the GBV field, sampled through purposive sampling. Data collection included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and the data were analysed through thematic and narrative analysis for qualitative data and SPSS for quantitative data. The findings show that the due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to GBV services was deprioritised, resulting to inadequate service provision by social workers. Recommendations emphasise the urgent need to prioritise GBV response and prevention services during health crises, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support to mitigate their impact, particularly in times of heightened risk such as pandemics. Keywords: Covid-19, gender-based violence, pandemic, social work, survivors