Use of shelters during the covid-19 pandemic - KRICO

What we do We examine how the shelters were used during the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and compare this with the use in 2019. We investigate whether different degrees of closure of society vary with the use of the shelters. This information can provide a basis for how the crisis center can meet future pandemics. Furthermore, it shall be mapped whether those who visit the shelters during the pandemic report a different type of violence than those who visited the shelters the year before. Knowledge of the use of the shelters can provide important information that can be used in dealing with this vulnerable group who are exposed to violence in close relationships, if new pandemics or disasters occur. Why is this important? We are in a global pandemic that involves extensive intervention in human lives. In Norway, large parts of society closed down in mid-March 2020 and it was recommended to stay at home as much as possible. How this change affected people living with violence in close relationships is uncertain. International research communities have called for systematic research on how covid-19 and the accompanying restrictions affected violence in close relationships. In Norway, we are in a special position, as we have systematic collection of data from all the country's shelters with annual reports, which provides a unique opportunity to research possible changes in the use of shelters during the covid-19 pandemic.