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Supporting Survivors During COVID-19

Health care workers are a lifeline

IPV, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking are on the rise during COVID-19. Shelter in place regulations and systemic health and economic inequities are increasing vulnerability for communities. Health professionals are in a unique position to offer connection and support to survivors and to promote prevention. Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on survivors.

Providing Care During COVID-19

Health providers can address IPV during this public health emergency by making sure that all patients are getting access to support resources. See information below on how to provide universal education on intimate forms violence during virtual visits in a way that is safer for patients and ensures that everyone gets access to the support they need for themselves, or a friend or family member - even if it is not safe for them to talk about what they are experiencing.

Partnering With Advocates

Healthcare settings and DV programs are natural partners given their shared mission to improve the health, wellness, and safety of their patients and clients and to prevent violence before it begins. Including advocates as part of your multidisciplinary care teams is a crucial step in supporting both staff as well as survivors in your community.

Staff Wellness During COVID-19

Promoting staff wellness in the workplace during COVID-19 is critical, given high rates of stress, little or no access to child care, increased financial insecurity.

Supporting Survivor Health in DV/SV Programs

Partnerships with community health centers (CHCs) can offer much support to DV/SV programs that are working to increase health access for their clients during COVID-19. CHCs provide healthcare regardless of ability to pay, health enrollment services, and enabling services such as transportation and language interpretation.

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