INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN COVID-19 TIMES: SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to map available scientific evidence on intimate partner violence in the domestic setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. A scoping review was conducted following the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, SciELO and the PUBCOVID19 and LitCOVID platforms were consulted. The reflective thematic analysis was applied to the data set. The final corpus consisted of 11 articles. It was verified that the non-pharmacological measures of contagion control of COVID-19, such as social isolation, quarantine and lockdown, are associated to an increased chance of domestic violence. Socioeconomic variables, health risk behaviors and psychological aspects may explain this tendency of increased cases. Although remote care is advocated as a preferable option to replace face-to-face services, it can also increase women’s sense of vulnerability. It is essential to develop protocols that effectively offer protection to women in vulnerable situations, without restricting support to the moment of notification alone. The study provides an overview of the problem, with insights that may guide care practice and future research.