More family violence during pandemic linked to added triggers and less help

Across Canada, 1-in-3 women experienced abuse or violence from their intimate partner. In addition, 15% of children witness intimate partner violence in the home. The amount of family violence has increased during the pandemic. Quarantines and job losses have meant a lot more forced family interaction. Physical distancing and self-isolation means fewer supports when people need help.

In Winnipeg, SRWC group participants have also seen an increase. During the quarantines, we have seen a lot more family violence. This is connected to, for example,:

• Physical distancing measures,
• Social isolation,
• School/childcare closures,
• Financial and income anxiety,
• Housing unrest, and
• Changes to access to health and social services.

SRWC’s caseload has increased to meet the recovery needs of individuals and their families.

Image by Afif Kusuma from Pixabay

Increase in Family Violence For Women

Our Rehabilitation Counsellor for the Continuing Recovery for Mothers and Expectant Mothers program says, “It has been a privilege to walk alongside our participants and to witness their courage and resolve.”

The Counsellor has been helping women deal with many issues that make it more difficult to stay sober. For instance:

• Abusive partners,
• Unsafe housing,
• Losing loved ones to COVID,
• Social isolation,
• Homeschooling,
• Transportation,
• Lack of technology for work or schools, and
• losing jobs or education.

“Most importantly,” she says, “we help them find healthy ways to deal with these extra stresses.” She says she also finds it important to help them stay connected and to support a whole-health recovery.

Whole Family Affected by Abuse and Violence

SRWC’s Family Program offers education and empowerment for families affected by addiction. This includes partners, siblings, or adult-children. Program counsellor Philip Collins says he has also been helping people deal with more at-risk situations. “The quarantine has been hard on parents of adult-children who might be living at home but are no longer able to go out. For example, they go through or are threatened with:

• Physical, financial, and mental abuse,
• Family reluctance to get vaccinated,
• Family refusal to self-isolate,
• Risk of overdose when using drugs whether at home or on the street,
• Family members refusing to get help or go to detox, and
• When the family does reach out for help, it’s harder to get because emergency services are overloaded.

“Above all,” says Collins, “is that there is hope for dealing with and healing from family violence. ” He says they meet regularly as a group. He also shared he helps them find ways to connect with the positive people in their lives. “We also create a community that helps keeps everyone stable and sane.”

Radio Interview – Listen Now

On August 9 2021, Addiction Counsellor Rosetta Troia was interviewed on 680-CJOB. You can hear the interview below.

If you or your family are dealing with addiction or other mental health issues, you are not alone. Find more at srwc-mb.ca.

References For Increase in Family Violence

• Children’s Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence and Other Family Violence, National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence
• COVID-19: Protecting people and societies, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on family mental health in Canada: Findings From a National Cross-Sectional Study, BMJ Open