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Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)

The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) is committed to helping Veterans, their partners, and also VA staff who are impacted by intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know could be experiencing and/or using IPV – help is available.

Connect with a care coordinator

Our Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator is here to help you get ongoing support, including counseling and other resources. Coordinators are available during regular business hours to provide guidance and connect you with the services you need.

Megan McGarry

Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator

VA Palo Alto health care

Phone:

What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?

IPV occurs when a current or former partner uses physical, sexual, or psychological harm to control or intimidate you. This can happen in any type of relationship—regardless of sex, sexual orientation, age, race, or background.

Key facts about IPV

  • IPV occurs in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships
  • It affects people of all races, ages, education levels, and income levels
  • It happens in communities and cultures around the world

Signs you may be experiencing IPV

Ask yourself: Does your partner…

  • Criticize you or call you names?
  • Control your finances?
  • Monitor your phone calls or texts?
  • Discourage you from seeing family or friends?
  • Accuse you of cheating?
  • Destroy things you care about (like photos or clothes)?
  • Hurt you, then deny it or blame you?
  • Threaten to harm you, themselves, loved ones, or pets?
  • Pressure you to have sex or hurt you sexually?
  • Take away or refuse to pay for medications or birth control?
  • Apologize or give gifts after being violent, promising it won’t happen again?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are not alone. Help is available.

Types of abuse

Physical abuse

  • Hitting, slapping, shoving, biting, kicking
  • Pulling hair, scratching, pushing
  • Throwing objects

Psychological abuse

  • Yelling, name-calling
  • Controlling your activities
  • Public humiliation
  • Isolating you from friends or family
  • Threatening to harm pets

Sexual abuse

  • Forced vaginal, oral, or anal penetration
  • Threats of rape or sexual assault
  • Coerced sexual activity with partner or others

What services are available?

The VA Palo Alto IPV Assistance Program offers:

  • Referrals to community-based programs (support groups, advocacy, legal services, emergency housing)
  • Crisis intervention
  • Safety planning assistance
  • Services for individuals who use violence
  • Information about non-VA community services
  • Clinical consultation for VA staff
  • Training and education on IPV

What should I do if I think I’m in an abusive relationship?

You are not alone—and it is not your fault. VA is here to help.

Contact us

VA Palo Alto IPV Assistance Program Coordinator
📞

Additional resources

  • Women Veterans Call Center
    📞 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • VA employees
    Contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at
  • In immediate danger?
    📞 Call 911

Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals. You don’t have to go through this alone.

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