Exploring access to health and social supports for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors during

This study explores how access to support services changes for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) during major stressful life events such as pandemics, economic crises, and natural disasters.

During these times, violence often increases while access to support — including healthcare, social services, justice systems, and even help from friends and family — becomes more limited. We reviewed 74 studies from high-income countries (most focused on COVID-19) to better understand the barriers survivors face and what helps improve access to services.

Our findings show that during crises, resources are often redirected, support systems become strained, and survivors—especially those already marginalized—face additional challenges. To better protect survivors in future emergencies, governments and service providers must invest in strong, culturally responsive support systems and ensure that the expertise of the violence against women sector is included in emergency planning and policymaking.