Research snapshot

Research Snapshot Research Snapshot

The nature of and responses to domestic and family violence in Queensland

Source Pfitzner, N., Fitz-Gibbon, K., Meyer, S., and True, J. (2020). Responding to Queensland’s ‘shadow pandemic’ during the period of COVID-19 restrictions: practitioner views on the nature of and responses to violence against women. Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.

There are no definitive answers as to exactly what is happening behind closed doors during a time of restricted movement. Much will be learnt over time from what have been unprecedented circumstances. This is an overview of findings from a recent report by the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, using data collected by the Queensland Domestic Violence Service Network (QDVSN). In April and May 2020, QDVSN administered two surveys to identify the views and experiences of practitioners. As noted by the authors of the report: “The next phase of this research will capture lessons learned by services during the COVID-19 shutdown to propel remote service innovation forward in the recovery phase and beyond. It will be attentive to the implications for practitioners’ wellbeing and resourcing of the sector”. A summary of key findings is provided below: Queensland domestic and family violence practitioners reported that COVID-19 has led to: • an incr ease in client numbers • an increase in the complexity of client needs and • an escalation in violence. According to respondents, the transition to remote working, along with this increase in demand for services, created additional pressure and stress on practitioners. Many practitioners reported that perpetrators have used the COVID-19 pandemic to exert control over women’s access to, and time spent with, their children, and as a reason to vary existing shared parenting contact arrangements. Practitioners also reported the instigation of a range of innovative service approaches including: • A shift to online counselling • Online men’s behaviour change programs • Incr eased cross-sector collaboration with Child Safety. • Increased outreach service to install safety features on clients’ homes. However, changing models of service delivery also brings challenges, and the survey results indicate these included: • Wellbeing c onsiderations for practitioners during the period of restrictions. • Provision of support for clients with no access to the internet and other technology. • Sufficiency of service resourcing: significant increases in demand are expected as restrictions are eased. Service delivery impacts will likely be felt by the domestic and family violence sector well beyond the easing of restrictions.