Abstract

With the introduction of COVID-19, preliminary data suggests that the forms and frequency of abuse relating to intimate partner violence (IPV) have changed. Most of society was unaware of the arising silent pandemic which was happening to the individuals in abusive relationships who were being quarantined with their abuser. The IPV resources were extremely aware of this silent pandemic due to large numbers of individuals seeking emergency shelter. However, there was only a priority for public safety due to COVID-19 when in hindsight, there needed to be a balance of public safety as well as increased aid for the individuals suffering in their own homes. In this study, I collected qualitative and quantitative data surrounding the frequency and mode of intimate partner violence throughout the duration of the quarantine and lockdowns from COVID-19. An online survey was distributed to 418 respondents living in the United States who were in the same intimate partner relationship across all three timeframes (pre-COVID-19 lockdowns, during COVID-19 lockdowns and after COVID-19 lockdowns). Respondents answered questions regarding demographics, abuse that occurred along with their perceived intensity and severity of the abuse and their resource usage. Findings revealed that verbal and sexual abuse increased during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the perceived intensity and severity of the abuse trended upward during the lockdowns, and resource usage decreased across all three timeframes. This study contributed a deeper understanding and provoked discussion of the abuse that took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Thesis Completion

2022

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Fissel, Erica

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Criminal Justice

Degree Program

Criminal Justice

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2022

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