ABSTRACT Objective This study explored how motherhood, intimate partner violence (IPV), and COVID‐19 interacted in the early weeks of the pandemic. Background IPV often increased during the pandemic. Yet although most women who experience IPV are mothers and mothers faced unique pandemic‐related stressors, little is known about how mothers who experienced IPV weathered the early days of the pandemic. Method This study used thematic analysis of survey responses from 55 U.S. mothers who had experienced IPV. Data were organized by COVID's impact (positive, negative, no impact) on interactions with abusive partners, well‐being, and feelings of safety. Results COVID had a mixed impact on mothers' lives. More than half experienced some negative impact, such as coparenting challenges or worsening verbal and emotional abuse; many reported no impact, often among those no longer in contact with abusive partners; and some experienced a positive impact, like feeling safer because of reduced interactions with abusive partners. Conclusion The pandemic's impact was complex and multilayered. Although some partners adapted their abuse tactics to exploit pandemic circumstances, mothers remained resilient, working strategically to preserve their families. Implications Findings can be used to support mothers in future pandemics, natural disasters, wars, and similar environmental conflicts.
Blaus et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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