Exploring the Impact of the 2020 COVID-19 Adjusted Lockdown on Social Workers at a Gender-Based Violence Command Centre in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Introduction: In South Africa and across many regions globally, adjusted lockdowns were implemented as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19. These lockdowns had a significant effect on gender-based violence (GBV). Victims, often confined with their abusers, faced limited access to support services. Simultaneously, healthcare workers, including those at the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC), were at the forefront of the pandemic response, dealing with both COVID-19 and GBV cases. Method: A phenomenological approach was used to collect data from nine social workers at the GBVCC in South Africa. Semistructured interviews were conducted, guided by an interview protocol. Data were analyzed using Tesch's framework for thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed that social workers faced mental health challenges, including anxiety, stress, and fear of death, during the adjusted lockdown. Many relied on family and friends for emotional support. The work environment was notably challenging, and this, in turn, affected their job performance. Conclusion: The adjusted lockdown had a profound impact on social workers at the GBVCC, affecting both their personal well-being and professional responsibilities. Many reported experiencing poor mental health and a disruption in work-life balance during this period.