Walker, A, Fenton, RA, Parry, B, Barton, ER, Snowdon, LC, Donovan, C, Bellis, MA and Hughes, K (2024) Bystander experiences of domestic violence and abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Gender-Based Violence, 8 (2). pp. 141-161. ISSN 2398-6808

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Abstract

This article seeks to understand the experiences of bystanders to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales. Globally, professionals voiced concern over the COVID-19 restrictions exacerbating conditions for DVA to occur. Yet evidence suggests this also increased opportunities for bystanders to become aware of DVA and take action against it. This mixed methods study consists of a quantitative online survey and follow-up interviews with survey respondents. Conducted in Wales, UK, during a national lockdown in 2021, this article reports on the experiences of 186 bystanders to DVA during the pandemic. Results suggest that bystanders had increased opportunity to become aware of DVA due to the pandemic restrictions. Results support the bystander situational model whereby respondents have to become aware of the behaviour, recognise it as a problem, feel that they possess the correct skills, and have confidence in their skills, before they will take action. Having received bystander training was a significant predictor variable in bystanders taking action against DVA; this is an important finding that should be utilised to upskill general members of the community.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Divisions:	Psychology (from Sep 2019) Public Health Institute
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	29 Aug 2024 09:38
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2024 09:45
DOI or ID number:	10.1332/23986808Y2024D000000020
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/24032

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