Episode 12: COVID-19: Helping families impacted by domestic abuse in a time of crisis

In the first of a series of COVID-19 specific podcasts, David and Ruth talk about how the dynamics of domestic abuse are changing in the context of the COVID-19. Talking to both professionals and family members, Ruth offers insights from her own history related to being isolated with her abusers. The discussion about how we can best continue to partner with survivors and intervene with perpetrators follows with examples and practical steps. In this podcast: 

• Specific resources for immediate support for survivors across the North America, New Zealand, Australia and the UK
• An exploration of how perpetrators may be using the pandemic to increase coercive control, including increased monitoring of family members trapped by social distancing
• How children may be impacted by the intersection of the pandemic and living with an abusive parent
• Specific practice tips for partnering with survivors and intervening with perpetrators in the context of COVID-19 and social distancing

The episode also includes a preview of the steps that the Safe & Together Institute is taking to help professionals and families including a COVID-19 specific page on their website, upcoming COVID-19 practitioner lived experience webinars, and their new Virtual Academy to increase distance learning options during the crisis. This episode was also recorded in two parts on facebook live on our Safe & Together Institute Facebook page.