P05 The impact of COVID-19 on domestic abuse disclosure at a sexual health clinic. (16th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barker, Rosie; Girelli, Elena; Tol, Isabel; Barbour, Alison
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 98(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A26
• Page End: A27
• Publication Date: 2022-06-16
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-BASHH-2022.52
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Domestic abuse increased during COVID, beyond the year on year increasing reporting trend. 1 We mandate enquiries about domestic abuse at all clinician consultations when patients attend our clinic. Our borough's rates of domestic abuse are amongst the highest in London. The increased domestic abuse associated with the containment of lockdown and decreased opportunities for reporting has been compounded by financial pressures on statutory and third sector support services. 2 Methods: Data was collected through our electronic clinical records system, with specific questions about domestic abuse and whether the patients were currently at risk, recorded at the time of consultation. A comparison was made between reports of domestic abuse at consultation in the year preceding COVID, and the first year of the pandemic. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA. Results: Whilst there was a reduction in clinical attendances during this time 14, 424 (2019-2020) down to 9, 133 (2020-2021), a higher proportion of attendances reported concerns of current domestic abuse (203 attendances (2.2%) 2020-2021 vs 229 (1.6%) attendances in 2019-2020 – 31% increased reporting. Discussion: Domestic abuse remains underreported: Patients attending sexual health clinics are often otherwise healthy, and therefore less likely to attend primary or secondary care and may miss interventions in these services. Sexual health, whilst discussing intimate relationships, are well-placed to screen for domestic abuse with clinicians making routine enquiry; robust onward referral pathways should be in place to support victims. References: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabuseduringthecoronaviruscovid19pandemicenglandandwales/november2020 Bradbury-Jones C, Isham L. The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID-19 on domestic violence. J Clin Nurs . 2020;29 (13-14):2047-2049. doi:10.1111/jocn.15296