Trying Times and Trying Out Solutions: Intimate Partner Violence Screening and Support for Women Veterans During COVID-19

Date of Review: March, 2021

Rossi FS, Shankar M, Buckholdt K, Bailey Y, Israni ST, Iverson KM. Trying Times and Trying Out Solutions: Intimate Partner Violence Screening and Support for Women Veterans During COVID-19. J Gen Intern Med. 2020 Sep;35(9):2728-2731. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-05990-0. Epub 2020 Jun 30. PMID: 32607932; PMCID: PMC7325833.

This paper presents a thoughtful analysis and commentary regarding the special needs of women veterans, a population at particular risk for experiencing IPV, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. The authors summarize the challenges with IPV screening and in providing support, which are exacerbated during the pandemic. For example, domestic violence shelters, court houses, and other public service agencies may be closed or limited to virtual platforms, further reducing space for privacy and safety. Potential solutions are presented with some concrete suggestions integrating Trauma Informed Care principles and using Telehealth to support the women veterans experiencing IPV. —Memoona Hasnain, MD, MHPE, PhD