COVID-19 and vulnerable families living in rural locations: Building a system for recovery

The author describes how socio-economic, gendered, cultural, racial and geographical disparities mean that the experience of COVID-19 will be more difficult for disadvantaged families who have fewer social and economic resources. After noting how COVID-19 affects children and families generally, the author discusses the risks and impacts of the pandemic on rural families and communities, including Aboriginal families, rural women who already face increased risk of family violence, and children who are at increased risk of being exposed to violence when home from school. However, the pandemic has vastly expanded telehealth into many difference services, and people are using the technology with more familiarity. The author argues that access and equity may be the driving values when rebuilding communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)