Examining rates of intimate partner violence and support services during the Covid-19 pandemic

Intimate partner violence is a global public health concern, and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has identified an increase in incidence worldwide, supported by evidence that natural disasters tend to increase incidents and intensity of intimate partner violence. The aim of this review was to gain knowledge and understanding from current literature pertaining to intimate partner violence and the Covid-19 pandemic. A literature search was carried out using a variety of databases to identify articles relevant to the topic; 13 articles were selected which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The literature search has identified the need for robust qualitative data in order to enhance our understanding of how the pandemic has affected survivors of intimate partner violence, alongside the healthcare staff who support them.