A ‘forced holiday’ or ‘no escape route’? Contrasting experiences of survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse during Covid-19

Bibliographic Data

ID15748940
AuthorsRachael Bloomer (0000-0002-0714-4037, University of Bristol, corresponding author), Kàren Morgan (0000-0001-6193-1747, University of Bristol), Laura Bennett (0000-0002-3948-612X, University of Bristol), Sandi Dheensa (0000-0002-6412-696X, University of Bristol), Nathan Eisenstadt (0009-0003-6045-4899, University of Bristol), Gene Feder (0000-0002-7890-3926, University of Bristol), Rwth Leach (University of Bristol), Jo Roberts (0000-0001-7898-4992, University of South Wales), Helen Cramer (0000-0001-5989-2638, University of Bristol)
Year2024
Pages1-26
Publication date2024-07-22
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Gender-Based Violence (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2398-6808 • E-ISSN: 2398-6816
PublisherPolicy Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1332/23986808y2024d000000041
OpenAlexW4400915681
LanguageEN
References cited43

Drawing on a nested qualitative study within REPROVIDE, a randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness of a group-based domestic abuse perpetrator programme, this article explores accounts of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of victims/survivors and perpetrators. Based on interviews with male perpetrators and female survivors, including with partner/ex-partner dyads, our study reveals the gendered effects of the pandemic on abusive perpetrator behaviour. Findings are presented through themes addressing the different experiences of victims/survivors and perpetrators during the pandemic. Through an exploration of victim/survivor attempts to ameliorate intensified abuse through compliance (Theme 1), the way perpetrators put on a masculine ‘front’ (Theme 2), the gendered burden of domestic responsibilities (Theme 3) and highlighting the importance of continued specialist support (Theme 4), this article contributes to an understanding of gender inequalities underpinning pre-pandemic domestic violence and abuse and how perpetrators utilised inequalities during COVID restrictions. Some dyads reported relationships feeling more settled in the first UK lockdown, however, this was associated with increased opportunities for control that lockdown provided perpetrators. Both parties experienced changes in service responses. We articulate implications for safe working with perpetrators and families during future pandemics or social crises

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Criminology · Infectious disease (medical specialty · Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 · Child Abuse and Trauma · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Medicine · Psychology · Virology

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