Abstract
This article shares results from a systematic review, exploring the pandemic’s impacts on help-seeking and community-based services in North America. We aimed to identify shifts in help-seeking, community need and community supports and to highlight innovations and best practices. We searched ProQuest, Scholars Portal Journals and Web of Science databases, including English, peer-reviewed research studies on GBV help-seeking and/or service provision during the pandemic for review. After a two-stage screening process, a thematic analysis identified themes and gaps. Findings show that during the pandemic, victims/survivors faced additional barriers to help-seeking and structural inequality created intertwined crises. Many organizations adjusted services, adapted service formats and collaborated to respond to growing complexity and need. The literature emphasizes multi-faceted strategies necessary to address emerging and ongoing needs; however, it also raises questions about the organizational capacity and stability required to respond effectively to GBV. We explore findings and offer recommendations for policy and practice.