When Staying Home Isn’t Safe Students use research to combat domestic violence. By Venita Jenkins
Government orders to stay at home to curb the spread of COVID-19 were meant to help protect the public. But for some, like victims of abuse, the orders placed individuals in a dangerous situation. With that in mind, a group of student researchers, led by psychology professor Caroline Clements, compiled local and national resources on mental health and intimate partner violence on a website and printed flyers to share. The team also launched a survey to assess mental health, intimate partner violence rates and alcohol use during the pandemic. The researchers reached out to community partners, the Wilmington Police Department, and local shelters and grocery stores for assistance distributing the flyers. WHQR, a local public radio station, aided in getting the word out.
22
U N CW MAGAZI NE
“To collect data, we needed to reach people who may or may not have access to the internet,” Clements said. “We also knew that we had to be targeted. Because of the stay-at-home order, most people were only going to grocery stores and pharmacies.” The research team used “snowball” sampling to collect data, a technique where existing study subjects recruit future subjects from among their own acquaintances. Researchers posted the survey on social media and encouraged others to share the survey among their contacts. Individuals were able to respond anonymously. Survey responses extended beyond the U.S., with participants from Australia, Great Britain, Pakistan, Peru and Pakistan, where Clements has strong
