Breaking down barriers through difficult conversations
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and suicide are critical public health issues impacting countless lives each year. While these issues are often treated separately, they are deeply interconnected.
When individuals face violence from someone they trust and love, it creates an environment of isolation, fear, and despair. The emotional toll of an abusive relationship often leads to feelings of hopelessness, shame, and a perceived lack of escape, all of which can significantly elevate the risk of suicide.
“Our annual Partner Violence & Suicide Prevention Conference is an important initiative in closing the gap between IPV and suicide prevention,” said Social Worker Andrea Predl, who serves as the IPV Prevention Coordinator at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) in Fayetteville, Ark. “However, there is still much work to be done. As a community, we must continue raising awareness about the connection between these two issues and promote the resources available for those at risk. It is essential to talk openly about these topics and their devastating impact on mental health, especially within the Veteran community.”
Held at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, the VA-sponsored conference brought together experts and community members to discuss the warning signs of abuse and suicidal ideation. The presentations emphasized a multidisciplinary approach and how mental health professionals, social workers, and healthcare providers can collaborate to offer comprehensive care to Veterans at risk.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of screening for both IPV and suicidal tendencies during routine healthcare visits. By incorporating these questions into regular assessments, providers can help catch warning signs early and intervene before a situation escalates.
Conference participants also learned the importance of individuals creating safety plans in the event they needed to leave an abusive relationship or seek help during a crisis. Resources shared included safe places to go, important contacts, available shelters, and other critical information.
“The day was about hope and sharing best practices with one another,” said VHSO Suicide Prevention Program Manager Jenny Gano, LCSW.
While discussing the different programs provided by VA, including counseling, support groups, and trauma-informed care, VA staff ensured community members were aware of available Veteran-specific tools and the unique challenges Veterans face. It was noted that VHSO provides specialized resources tailored to those who have experienced trauma related to their military service.
The conference encouraged partnerships between healthcare providers, law enforcement, shelters, and suicide prevention hotlines to create a support network for those in need.
“This approach helps ensure that individuals have access to the right resources at the right time,” said Gano. “We know VA alone cannot prevent suicide, so we work diligently to partner with the community and other providers to help get resources to all.”
If you or someone you know is facing intimate partner violence or experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1).
“By continuing to educate ourselves and others, we can work toward a future where Veterans experiencing crisis are not left to struggle in silence and where suicide prevention efforts are integrated into every aspect of healthcare,” said Gano.
# # #