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Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) Emphasizes Prevention, Education and Support

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By Aubrey McQueen, Public Affairs Specialist

The Veterans Health Administration provides a supportive and confidential place to discuss questions, concerns or to seek assistance for relationship health and safety.

Byline: Authored by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) IPVAP Leadership Council Raising Awareness Committee Members: Tisha Petelo LCSW, MAC, Brandi Austin, LISW and Laura Halley, LICSW.

Each October, the VHA IPVAP observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to promote awareness, prevention and intervention for Veterans, their partners and VA staff who are impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV).

IPVAP’s campaign theme, “Building Relationship Health and Safety For Life,” serves as a national call to action prompting the recognition of the important role healthy, safe relationships play in a person’s health and wellbeing throughout life. Supportive connected relationships act as vital protective factors for physical and mental health. Having healthy relationships can promote overall health, buffer the negative impacts of stress, improve healthy lifestyle choices and increase quality of life.

What is IPV?

IPV refers to any form of physical, verbal, emotional or sexual abuse between intimate partners. This may include stalking, intimidation or coercion. An intimate partner can include current or former spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends, romantic, dating or sexual partners. Intimate partners may or may not live together or be sexually intimate.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regard IPV as a serious yet preventable public health epidemic citing 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report experiencing IPV. Research suggests the Veteran population may be twice as likely to experience IPV than the general population.

The Importance of IPV Education and Support  

All forms of IPV can negatively impact the relationship health, well-being and safety of those experiencing, using or witnessing the IPV. Without intervention, IPV has the potential to result in harmful, or sometimes fatal, outcomes. The IPVAP asserts that the provision of universal education and support throughout the VHA health care system is a vital step toward promoting prevention and early intervention for those who experience or use IPV and for promoting healthy and lasting relationships. Education helps individuals recognize that they may be experiencing or using IPV behaviors in their intimate partner relationships and encourages them to reach out for help. Couples who are caught in a cycle of conflict or poor communication styles can seek education, support to help improve their relationship skills.

Where to Learn More and Access Services

The Veterans Health Administration provides a supportive and confidential place to discuss questions, concerns or to seek assistance for relationship health and safety. Trained healthcare team members are available to provide education and intervention for Veterans and their partners on developing and maintaining healthy relationships.

Many sites offer a wide array of evidence-based services to address issues related to IPV or to improve the health of relationships. To learn more, talk to your VHA health care team or contact your local IPVAP Coordinator to explore relationship health and safety resources. Take part in your local DVAM events being held this October 2023.

 

Where to Learn More about VA Support and Resources

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