Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

By: Rachel Bender WHNP-BC

 

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a large problem in the United States. IPV is defined as violence committed by a spouse, ex-spouse, current or former boyfriend/girlfriend.  IPV occurs in both homosexual as well as heterosexual relationships.  Although both men and women are affected, research demonstrates that women are much more likely to suffer physical and psychological injuries.  Despite IPV being a well-known public health issue, few understand the magnitude.  According to a study funded by the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Justice an estimated 5.3 million episodes of IPV occur in women ages 18 and older each year.  As a result, 2 million injuries occur, 550,000 require medical attention, 8 million days of lost work—equaling 32,000 full time jobs and approximately 5.6 million days of household productivity lost.  As women’s health care providers, we are often your primary source for health care.  It is our duty to screen every patient to ensure that access to help is available.  However, research shows that the most effective way to stop IPV is to prevent it from happening.  The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has published strategies that help to prevent or reduce IPV:

  1. Teach our young adolescences safe and health relationship skills.
  2. Engage influential adults and peers
  3. Disrupt the developmental pathways toward partner violence (early childhood home visits, family engagement in preschools, parenting programs)
  4. Create protective environments (improve school climate and safety, modify social and physical environments of neighborhoods)
  5. Strengthen economic support for families
  6. Support survivors to increase safety and lessen harms (housing programs, civil legal protections, victim-centered services, treatment/support for survivors)

 

It is clear that there is not one simple solution to the nationwide problem of IPV.  However, education, awareness, and resources are the first step towards being part of the solution.  If you are someone you know is a victim of intimate partner violence encourage them to visit the link below to learn more.

 

Center for Disease and Control (national)

www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/

 

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence (state)

www.mocadsv.org

 

St. Louis Ending Violence Against Women Network (local)

www.slevawn.org

 

Bridgeway Behavioral Health (local)

www.bridgewaybh.com/domestic-violence-services/

 

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