The rapid spread of coronavirus/COVID-19 has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis around the world. As with most disasters, women and girls are likely to be disproportionately affected. The outbreak presents huge challenges for shelters in terms of safety and training for staff, protection of clients, measures to contain an outbreak within a facility, helping staff work remotely while still supporting victims, and ensuring adequate resources are in place. In addition, as families are encouraged or forced to stay at home, women and children who are vulnerable to domestic abuse will be at greater risk. 

Topics of discussion include: shelter health and safety guidelines, response principles and control measures, experiences from other epidemic situations, use of technology, how to help shelter staff work from home, strategies to deal with city, state or national lockdowns, protecting client confidentiality, advice for other GBV prevention programs.