October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, or IPVAP, promotes awareness, prevention, and intervention for Veterans, their partners and VA staff affected by intimate partner violence.
The campaign’s central message, “Fostering Lifelong Well-being Through Healthy and Safe Relationships,” emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy and safe relationships throughout one’s life. Intimate Partner Violence, IPV, includes various forms of abuse within intimate partnerships, such as physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers IPV an important but preventable public health issue, with statistics showing a high prevalence among both women and men, especially within the Veteran population. IPV can have severe consequences if left unaddressed.
IPV education and support are vital for promoting prevention and early intervention. Providing universal education within the VHA healthcare system helps individuals recognize IPV behaviors and encourages seeking help. Couples in conflict can also benefit from education and support to improve their relationship skills.
The VA offers a confidential space to discuss relationship health and safety concerns. Trained healthcare professionals can provide education and intervention for Veterans and their partners. Many VA sites offer services related to IPV and relationship health.
The VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program offers an array of resources and support for Veterans and their partners grappling with IPV. These resources include: the IPVAP website, specialized assistance for those who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma, guidance from the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office, resources to combat harassment, immediate crisis support through the Veterans Crisis Line (988), mental health services, women’s health services, and caregiver support programs.
In addition, the VA Caregiver Support Line (1-855 260-3274) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800 799-7233) provide assistance for caregivers and all affected individuals. Furthermore, the MyPlan App aids in safety planning.
Together, these resources serve as a lifeline for survivors and aim to promote awareness, prevention, and early intervention in addressing IPV within the Veteran community.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
