A pandemic within a pandemic: The investigation of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) victimisation risk factors and stay/leave decisions during the UK COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract

This study investigated IPV behaviour and decisions associated with whether to stay or leave an IPV relationship during the UK coronavirus pandemic in March 2020. The associations between gender, religion, proximity, financial strain, alcohol use, family cohesion, acceptance of partner behaviour, and emotional labour (surface acting and deep acting) were explored in relation to the presence of IPV and decisions to stay or leave IPV relationships. These variables were selected as they linked with the Lifestyle-Routine Activities Theory and Ecological Theory. A total of 179 participants completed an online questionnaire. The results of the study found that unbalanced family cohesion predicted all forms of IPV, and balanced family cohesion predicted stay decisions for victims. Surface acting predicted verbal abuse and religion predicted physical abuse. Additionally, the acceptance of positive closeness behaviours significantly predicted stay decisions for victims. The implications of these findings are discussed.