Covering Coronavirus: The Domestic Abuse Crisis

While stay-at-home orders have helped flatten the COVID-19 curve, they present grave new dangers for victims of domestic violence who suddenly find themselves locked down with their abusers. Cities across the country have reported an uptick in domestic violence calls, and some providers report seeing more violent incidents. The pandemic has made it harder than ever for domestic violence organizations to help victims, a challenge compounded by losses in funding and reduced shelter capacity. In response, some organizations and providers are experimenting with new ways of supporting victims, including text-message helplines, prepaid cell phones, paid apartments, protection orders filed online, virtual support groups, and video conferences to support assault victims after an attack. This webinar explored how the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a terrifying new reality for domestic violence victims, how organizations and authorities are trying to innovate in response and how reporters can cover the story in their community.

This webinar is a project of the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, NIHCM Foundation and Commonwealth Fund.