Telehealth, COVID-19, Intimate Partner Violence, and Human Trafficking
Increasing Safety for People Surviving Abuse
A Guide for Community Health Centers and Partnering Domestic Violence Advocacy Programs
The COVID-19 public health crisis and subsequent social distancing measures are increasing risk for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and human trafficking (HT) and their children, reducing families’ financial security, making it harder to stay connected to support networks, and is a source of stress. This increased stress and increased proximity to the person causing harm may intensify abuse. As many health centers now shift to telehealth, providing virtual support to patients, including those who may be experiencing abuse or exploitation, can be lifesaving. Health centers and local domestic violence advocacy programs can establish, or build upon their partnerships to support survivors of IPV/HT and promote their health and safety.
