Voices from the shadow: domestic violence survivors’ experiences of seeking and receiving support during the COVID-19 pandemic

It has been globally recognised that COVID-19 has impacted the prevalence of domestic violence (DV). Various international research has reported obstacles for DV workers in reaching out to victims during the pandemic. To investigate how DV victims experienced seeking help and experienced support received from specialised units within social services or women’s shelters during the pandemic, an interview study was conducted. Fifty-one women subjected to DV who turned to domestic violence support units in Sweden during the pandemic were interviewed on how the pandemic affected the support received. Through a thematic analysis, two themes were identified: the path to treatment; and support during the pandemic. Contact with a DV worker could most often continue through personal meetings with the necessary safety precautions maintained. When switched to digital meetings, it could still be effective if contact had initially been established through physical meetings. For women who participated in group sessions, the consequences were significant as the group sessions were completely cancelled. The findings indicate the need for a wide range of work methods that are sensitive to the needs of DV victims where continuity is crucial for treatment progress.