Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem that is preventable. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, there are many resources available to help.
Not all forms of intimate partner violence look the same.
Another common term for this type of violence is domestic abuse, and it indicates aggression in a romantic relationship that can vary in its frequency and severity. The abuse can span 4 types of behavior:
- Physical violence
- Sexual violence
- Stalking
- Psychological aggression
Intimate partner violence is a serious problem that affects millions of people in the U.S. each year.
According to the CDC, each year millions of people in the U.S. experience some form of sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
“In the U.S. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have suffered intimate partner violence. No one should ever feel unsafe. It’s everyone’s responsibility that our communities support healthy relationships and provide support for those in need.”
– Dr. Dani Urcuyo
Source: CDC
The impacts of intimate partner violence are devastating and widespread. In addition to physical injuries and possibly death, this kind of intimate aggression can also lead to mental health issues such as depression or PTSD, chronic illnesses, reproductive issues, and other serious problems.
During COVID-19, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has called intimate partner violence the “pandemic within a pandemic.”
“Stay-at-home orders, intended to protect the public and prevent widespread infection, left many IPV victims trapped with their abusers.” – NEJM
NEJM also points out that while anyone can experience IPV, this type of violence has a disproportionate effect on communities of color, those of low socioeconomic status, and other marginalized groups.
“Economic instability, unsafe housing, neighborhood violence, and lack of safe and stable child care and social support can worsen already tenuous situations.” -NEJM
The context of the pandemic and stay-at-home policies can make anyone feel extremely isolated. But if you or someone you know is struggling with intimate partner violence, you are not alone and there are resources to help.
Need help or know someone who does? There are resources available.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- Call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.
- Love is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
- Call 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline
- Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
As a SteadyMD patient, please know that you can always talk to your personal doctor about IPV.
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