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Article
The effects of COVID-19 on domestic violence and immigrant families.
Greenwich Social Work Review
  • Abha Rai, Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work
  • Susan Grossman, Loyola University Chicago
  • Nathan Perkins, Loyola University Chicago
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2020
Pages
84-96
Publisher Name
Greenwich Social Work Review
Disciplines
Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has threatening implications for all individuals; and has been particularly unsettling for immigrants. Given their unique positionality in the U.S., the intersectional discussion about the impact of this pandemic on immigrants and issues of family violence is salient. The position of some groups of immigrant women is even more precarious due to the increased dependency on their spouse/partner for emotional, economic and immigration-related reasons. While immigrants have been on the frontlines as responders for COVID-19, there are limited policies that provide them with healthcare, employment guarantee, or benefits. Further, the immigration restrictions created by the U.S. Government have worsened the position of immigrants. All these stressors create unprecedented challenges for immigrants. Therefore, it is vital to delve into the family dynamics, unique challenges, and potential solutions that can provide support to immigrant families. This commentary highlights the atypical challenges of immigrants in relation to the pandemic and how these challenges may impact the incidence of family violence. Through our discussion, we hope to encourage social work scholars, practitioners, and policy advocates to support and advocate for immigrants; especially, during the new normal under the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Author Posting © Greenwich Social Work Review, 2020. This article is posted here by permission of Greenwich Social Work Review for personal use, not for redistribution. The article was published in Greenwich Social Work Review, Volume 2, Issue 1, December 2020, https://doi.org/10.21100/gswr.v1i2.1161

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information
Rai, A., Perkins, N. & Grossman, S. (2020). The effects of COVID-19 on domestic violence and immigrant families. Greenwich Social Work Review, 2(1), 84-96. https://doi.org/10.21100/gswr.v1i2.1161