In 2020/2021, the world was faced with unprecedented global pandemic that disrupted all systems and created unexpected consequences. In particular the systems involved with animal, child, domestic, and elder abuse were impacted and are still recovering. With regards the Violence Link, Covid-19 has exacerbated underlying challenges and strained already-limited resources and support systems.

This panel will:

• Provide an overview of the effects of Covid-19 on the Violence Link
• Explore how Covid-19 has exacerbated both domestic violence and animal maltreatment
• Explore how COVID-19 has affected the rate of request for forensic animal maltreatment evaluations and address the current challenges and implications for clinical training
• Explore the disproportionate impacts on communities of color and other underserved groups
• Describe how progress on the Violence Link is advancing rapidly despite the pandemic and explore new frontiers moving

Key Learnings
1. Consider the effects of the pandemic on Violence Link cases including the disproportionate
effect on specific populations
2. Explore the effect on violence prevention reporting and response systems including the impact
COVID-19 has had on animal cruelty investigations, forensic animal maltreatment evaluations,
and clinical training.
3. Identify ways to address the Violence Link in the context of the ongoing pandemic