This post is based on an article written by Eve Valera, PhD, and originally published on the Harvard Health Blog.

When a person is infected with COVID-19, the first thing a physician will advise is to self-isolate and stay home. But what if home isn’t safe?

Eve Valera, PhD, a psychiatry researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, has been investigating the devastating effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) for almost 25 years. So, when she learned about the mitigation strategies for COVID-19, many of which included stay at home orders or recommendations, her first thought was how dangerous it could be for those who live with IPV.

Dr. Valera became interested in studying the impact of IPV after volunteering in a domestic violence shelter and witnessing its effects firsthand. Her research has found that a staggering number of women experiencing IPV have also suffered from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that often go undiagnosed.

Data show that the rate of IPV increased during past pandemics, and that violent incidents tend to increase when families spend more time at home together, such as the holiday season.

Here are five things to know about COVID-19 and IPV:

Calls to domestic violence hotlines are increasing

The CDC-recommended practices of isolation and social-distancing are effective for limiting the spread of COVID-19 but unfortunately appear to exacerbate stressors related to IPV. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has reported an increase in calls to their hotline with callers mentioning their abusers’ efforts to further isolate them from their families, threatening to lock them out of their homes to increase their chances of contracting the virus, and withholding financial or medical resources.

Female homicide rates are increasing

The United Kingdom recently reported female homicide rates that are the highest they have been in 11 years — double the average for a 21-day period. Mexico has also reported an 8% increase in female homicides and cities across the United States have reported a number fatal IPV incidents tied to COVID-19.

Options for support and places to find refuge from IPV are limited

The lockdown regulations call for individuals to remain in their homes at most times and limit contact with friends and family outside the home. This means some women are forced to be isolated with their abusers and may not be able to invite friends or family members into the house. Also, women who may wish to seek an order of protection may be reluctant due to the physical closing of courts, requiring women to navigate a new virtual system if such a system is in place.

Some IPV victims are forced to choose between the risks of abuse vs. the risks of contracting COVID-19

Some women may be more strongly considering leaving their partner if the violence has gotten out of hand; however, seeking social services or medical care for an IPV-related injury could potentially expose them to COVID-19. Staying in a violent relationship could also lead to serious consequences, but to some, continuing to withstand the abuse may seem like a better option.

What you can do to help

• Check in frequently if you know someone who is isolated and may be experiencing abuse.
• Ask about how they are doing and provide an opportunity in the conversation for them to let you know things may not be going well.
• If you are in a position to take them in, be sure they are aware it is a possibility, if needed.
• If you are a medical professional, consider mentioning that family violence has increased since COVID-19, and ask women if they feel safe at home.

If you are experiencing violence within the home, please remember:

• You are not alone; IPV occurs to one in three women!
• This is not your fault, and you should not feel ashamed to seek help.
• If you are injured, do not delay getting critical care because of contamination fears. Reports show that some emergency rooms are less busy than usual, and all medical staff are extensively trained and prepared to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• If you know you are at risk, reach out to The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY, or if you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. They are available 24/7 and can work with you to find help in your area.
• Have a safety plan. Even obvious things may not seem obvious when you are in a terrifying situation. Having a safety plan will help with that. You can get help creating a plan here.

COVID-19 Research at Mass General
Researchers and clinicians at Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute are mobilizing to develop new strategies to diagnose, treat and prevent COVID-19. Learn more.