Intimate partner and family violence and mental health during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a multi-country survey

Abstract

Background: During COVID-19, concerns were raised about a 'shadow pandemic' of violence against women and girls. However, UN guidance discouraged direct enquiry about intimate partner and family violence (IPFV), instead advocating proxy questions on subjects like relationship difficulties and perceived safety. We investigated the relationship between partner difficulties and family difficulties and common mental disorder (CMDs) during COVID-19 in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Methods: We carried out and analysed an online survey, measuring partner difficulties and family difficulties (as proxy items for IPFV), CMDs, and socioeconomic risk factors. Results: There were 409 respondents in 19 countries. The prevalence of CMDs was 32.27%. After all adjustments, the risk ratio (RR) for the association of partner difficulties with CMD was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.60). The adjusted RR of family difficulties with CMD was 1.18 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.44). Both partner and family difficulties were significantly associated with CMD in women [partner difficulties RR = 1.31 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.65); family difficulties RR = 1.37 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.72)]. Conclusion: Collecting proxy data on IPFV is feasible and was related to CMDs during COVID-19 in a range of settings. Like partner violence, family violence may also be related to increased CMDs, especially in women. Policy responses for post-pandemic recovery and preparation for future emergencies should consider the health impacts of family violence as well as partner violence.