The role of NGO administrative data in understanding the impact of COVID-19 on survivors of domestic abuse

COVID-19 quickly changed the context of domestic abuse in England. Within weeks of the first COVID-19 related death, the country was in lockdown. A quick response was essential for understanding the needs of survivors. With limited time to establish new data collection mechanisms, the role of administrative data was central in shaping the response by the Women’s Aid Federation of England. This article explores the opportunities and challenges of using administrative data to understand and respond to the impact of COVID-19 on survivors of domestic abuse in England, using analysis by Women’s Aid of administrative data as a case study. The article discusses the challenges, such as the complexity of analysing a longitudinal administrative dataset, and the need for increased skills and capacity within the NGO research environment. We also reflect on ethical considerations in light of the context of frontline workers responding to the pandemic, the opportunities for collaboration with other sector partners and academics and the benefits of being able to undertake reactive analysis to inform policy. The article concludes that our access to administrative data bolstered our ability to respond expediently to the pandemic, and achieve the long-term benefits of the partnerships that we built during this time.Key messagesAdministrative data offered Women’s Aid a timely and ethical approach to understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with minimal impact on survivors or the services that support them.The nature of administrative data creates unique challenges for researchers as well as opportunities for relevant, impactful research.More resources, collaboration and research are needed to understand administrative data sources held by NGOs.