COVID-19, Victim Services, and Well-being

Project Description:

“The pandemic has made my job more difficult. When the courts closed, our case numbers doubled because cases were not being resolved… It has become more challenging to stay mentally well during the pandemic, as some of my strategies for self-care were thwarted.” (Victim Service Provider)

Stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic changed the delivery of victim services, increasing the challenges for service providers to support victims and survivors of crime. We were interested in further exploring this topic by answering the following questions in a paper for the Department of Justice:

1. How have pandemic restrictions related to COVID-19 affected the delivery of victim services?
2. How have these workplace changes affected service providers?
3. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the overall well-being of victim service providers?

In our national survey of 564 service providers across Canada, respondents indicated an increase in workload and that the need to adapt to shifting public health guidelines generated additional stress. Service providers shared different perspectives on how they had been affected by working from home, with some finding it more flexible because the work happened in their own positive space, while others found it more difficult because they felt the work was invading safe spaces in their own homes. The majority of participants working full-time or part-time indicated spending more time working from home during the pandemic. Approximately three in ten service providers who reported these increases also reported a decrease in their work-life balance and 42% reported that their overall mental health had decreased as a result of these changes. More than seven in ten reported that their level of stress had increased. These findings suggest the need for flexible and diverse approaches to service delivery after the pandemic. Greater choices should be available for both victim service providers and survivors about aspects of services that are best suited to meet their needs. Additionally, the increased use of technology has introduced the possibility of survivors meeting with victim service providers or participating in the criminal justice system virtually. For some, this offers a safer and more inclusive service environment, which is worth retaining post-pandemic. However, it also introduces barriers for those without access to technology. Service providers felt that virtual services introduced additional barriers for survivors without access to technology, while providing others with safer and more inclusive access to support. Findings also highlighted a disparity in the resources and compensation available to service providers working in different sub-sectors of victim services. This study also suggests the need for increased and on-going financial support to ensure that victim service organizations are equipped to meet the needs of their clients.

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