Substance use among women in the context of the corollary pandemics of COVID-19 and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

With greater social isolation, stress and uncertainty during COVID-19, the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use among women has increased. In Canada, there have been more IPV related calls, crises and shelter services have identified increased demands, and 10% of women have reported safety concerns. Substance use has also risen, with Canadians reporting more alcohol, cannabis and tobacco use during COVID-19 measures. In the proposed rapid review, we will examine how containment and pandemic related measures affects IPV and substance use among women, including level of consumption, types of substances used and changes in patterns of use. We will partner with three knowledge users representing first responders, shelters and substance use services, to co-develop evidence-based materials to support health care practitioners, IPV workers, substance use workers, and first responders in their work. We will apply sex, gender, equity, harm reduction and trauma informed lenses to analyze the literature and develop knowledge products. These materials will include information on IPV, substance use and COVID-related issues, guidance on responding to these issues, and suggestions for providing health advice and brief interventions.