The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on experiences of intimate partner violence among Australian women

The first report, along with a resource capturing key insights, has recently been published and presents findings of Stage 1 of the national study. The report based on Stage 2 of the study, examining the economic insecurity of women experiencing IPV during the pandemic, has also now been published. Key findings are captured in a quick reference guide, which is also now available for download.

The study aimed to answer two primary research questions:

• What is the role of dynamic risk factors that are influenced or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in Australian women’s experiences of IPV?
• Does the impact of these factors differ across IPV experiences and observed patterns of violence and abuse (e.g. onset and escalation)?

This study provides guidance for policymakers and practitioners on the direct and mediated impacts of risk factors associated with the pandemic on women’s experiences of IPV. Critically, many of these factors are dynamic, and identifying their operation and impact provides valuable opportunity for governments and the IPV sector to identify opportunities for intervention to mitigate risk factors associated with IPV.

The findings of this study are important for planning and delivering services in future phases of the pandemic, and beyond, and for informing responses to other pandemics and natural disasters that may occur.