The pandemic within a pandemic: mental health and wellbeing of racially minoritised women experiencing domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Background The prevalence of domestic abuse is greater in times of humanitarian crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has been no different. Considerable evidence indicates that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts the mental health and wellbeing of racially Minoritised women. The present study aimed to explore racially Minoritised women’s experiences of domestic abuse and mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

Method An online cross-sectional survey was used with racially Minoritised women (n = 1202) in the UK during the third national lockdown.

Results Results demonstrate complex interplay of psychosocial factors, such as the roles of autonomy, resilience, self-silencing, family functioning, and social support as predictors of mental health and wellbeing during the ‘shadow pandemic’.

Conclusion Implications such as incorporating culturally competent mental health support, exploring the complex and multiple underpinnings of mental health in racially Minoritised victim-survivors of domestic abuse for future pandemic preparedness and support provision are discussed.