The Seesaw Effect - Recognizing Dangers for Victims of Sexual Violence During Covid-19
As workplaces, school systems, institutions of higher education and community-based agencies seek to respond to COVID-19 conditions, our field needs to understand how the current conditions impact opportunities for sexual and relationship violence prevention and response, as well as the diverse needs of the populations we serve. Soteria Solutions recognizes that the current COVID-19 pandemic presents extreme challenges in both responding to and preventing interpersonal violence including sexual assault and harassment, relationship violence and stalking. As we adapt our prevention strategies to the COVID-19 pandemic conditions, we are mindful that we MUST adapt our prevention and response strategies to reflect the new conditions under which we are living, learning, working and socializing.
During this time of shelter in place and physical distancing, some forms of interpersonal violence (specifically intimate partner violence, child abuse, harassment and assault directed at marginalized populations, and online perpetration) are increasing. Data from advocacy organizations, crisis centers, police and other first responders indicate that social distancing and physical isolation have increased societal problems including, alcohol and drug use, employment stability, financial strain/dependence, reduced access to mental and physical health services, housing and food insecurity, and the reduction of sexual violence services and the closing of shelters. These realities are contributing to increases in the risk factors associated with sexual and relationship violence perpetration and victimization. At the same time, a “seesaw effect” is happening where these COVID-19 pandemic factors are decreasing our recognition of dangerous or potentially dangerous situations. From our and others’ research, we know that recognition of the problem is one of the key factors associated with prosocial bystander intervention behaviors.
It is important to work on multiple levels of the social ecology as we seek to increase recognition and build bystander intervention strategies to address sexual and relationship violence and stalking during COVID-19. For example, on the relationship level, look to your friends, family members, classmates and colleagues. While living through a pandemic can increase individuals’ stress, anxiety and social isolation, it is important to check in with people you know and care about. Notice any signs of distress and dramatic changes in their personality, affect or engagement with you and their peers. Ask yourself and try to determine if these changes are caused by stress of the pandemic or possibly result from victimization. Be ready to share your support and offer local resources.
On the community level, engage in bystander actions that build community level protective factors and notice factors that contribute to social norms that support violence. For example, in your community, notice if your school or workplace is posting resources for survivors and their allies. If not, ask yourself, “what resources are available and how can I share them with my friends/my community?” Act by getting the contact information for your state’s sexual assault and domestic violence coalition and sharing that with your school or workplace. Brainstorm essential businesses (grocery stores, health care facilities, gas stations, pharmacies, banks, etc.) in your local community that you can share this information with and ask them to post it for clients and customers. Notice memes that normalize intimate partner, sexual and family violence. Ask yourself, “What is the underlying message to this meme? How does this meme contribute to normalizing violence?” Act by letting the sender know that you think the meme minimizes violence. Suggest that while you’re sure that they didn’t mean this, offer suggestions for other ways to express their challenges with staying home during shelter in place.
The bottom line is that we need to be mindful of how the current COVID-19 pandemic conditions impact our ability to recognize violence. We suggest being particularly observant and reflective with the conditions under which our friends, colleagues and loved ones are living, learning and working in. Check in frequently, offer support/resources and use this time as an opportunity to build bystander awareness and practice bystander skills!
Jane Stapleton is President of Soteria Solutions.