Key Messages

• Pandemic responses must consider gendered roles and dynamics, and adopt gender-sensitive programming
• Safety principles to guide responses – data collection, service provision
• Need to gather disaggregated data – sex, race, age. GBV data collection to ensure women and girls’ safety
• Increase dedicated funding for specialized services
• Ensure that services remain open, accessible, and inclusive
• Expand access points to mental health supports
• Apply survivor-centred principles and trauma-centred supports
• Prevent racism and discriminatory practices in service provision
• Build capacity, increase awareness and training for frontline workers
• Expand shelter capacity. Strengthen helplines, online counselling and technology-based solutions. Ensure online supports 24/7. Update referral pathways

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Mental health
• Women
• Girls
• Racialized
• Gender
• Gender-based violence
• Domestic violence
• Intimate partner violence
• Pandemic

Author(s)

• Nominated Principal Applicant: Nazilla Khanlou, York University
• Andrew Ssawe (South Riverdale Community Health Centre)
• Yvonne Bohr (York University),
• Jennifer Connolly (York University),
• Iris Epstein (York University),
• Thumeka Mgwigwi (York University),
• Soheila Pashang (Humber College),
• Farah Ahmad (York University)
• Negar Alamdar (York University)
• Sajedeh Zahraei (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants)

For more information, please contact: Nazilla Khanlou, nkhanlou@yorku.ca

Supplemental Links

• Gender-Based Violence and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Risk Factors and Systemic Challenges [ PDF - external link ]

Related Syntheses

• An Evidence Synthesis Service to Support Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence
• Interventions to Mitigate COVID-19 Related Mental Health Risks for Those with Pre-existing Chronic Health Conditions and Facing Social and Economic Barriers: A Scoping and Rapid Realist Review
• The Relationship Between Social Connectedness and Mental Health for Residents of Long-term Care Homes: Knowledge Synthesis and Mobilization

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Population

Vulnerable or At-Risk Populations

Language

To ensure the rapid dissemination of this critical information, information is published in the language in which it was submitted. Please contact us for French or English translations.