What Matters in Help-Seeking and Disclosure Intent of Intimate Partner Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Similarities and Differences Across Demographic Groups

Highlights: Public health relevance—How does this work relate to a public health issue? Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pressing public health issue internationally The COVID-19 pandemic was a severe public health crisis that exacerbated IPV Public health significance—Why is this work of significance to public health? Learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic are useful to inform how to tackle IPV in future crises Key demographic differences in help-seeking for IPV are examined Public health implications—What are the key implications or messages for practitioners, policy makers and/or researchers in public health? IPV screening should be prioritized, especially in mental health services Programs and services directed to vulnerable groups should be protected in emergency situations The COVID-19 pandemic increased Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) internationally and disrupted health services. The pandemic also exacerbated risk factors linked to IPV, such as deteriorating mental health. As access to health care became restricted, IPV survivors faced barriers to help-seeking. No study has examined the factors related to IPV help-seeking intent during the pandemic, which might differ from actual behavior. The aim is to examine the impact of number of COVID-19 cases and health on IPV help-seeking and disclosure intent. A cross-sectional survey in the USA in April 2020 assessed health status, IPV (victimization and perpetration), help-seeking and disclosure intent. Linear models were used (N = 1346). Upper income positively correlated with help-seeking and disclosure intent. In terms of number of COVID-19 cases and PTSD symptomology with help-seeking intent, changes in daily life correlated positively with disclosure intent, but experience of violence correlated negatively. There were significant demographic differences. Inconsistency in the reporting of violence across scales was a notable issue. The findings on mental health support the existing literature. Healthcare providers in all settings should prioritize IPV screening. Access to care should be maximized through continued improvement/expansion of online services and policy changes that remove barriers (such as lapse in insurance coverage or financial burden).