♫ Melody ♫
In the United States, about 1 in 4 women and
1 in 10 men report experiencing Intimate Partner
Violence, also known as IPV.
Veterans may be at a higher
risk, with some studies finding rates up to
70% among women Veterans receiving health
care in the VA.
Research has shown relationship conflict – or
even abuse – occurs and escalates during
times of crisis, like a national pandemic
such as the flu -
or a natural disaster such as a hurricane, flood, or tornado.
When experiencing IPV, any disruption to normal life or access to services
can mean increased potential for harm.
For example, those who are at home with a partner who uses violence may feel less
safe than they would being outside of their home.
Exposure to additional dangers that impact
the safety of individuals experiencing IPV
can be further complicated when access to
help and resources are limited, such as access
to public transportation; ability to report
to work; and assistance in hospitals, courts
houses, school and childcare centers, and
other public service agencies may also be
limited.
With these restrictions and increased stressors,
the use of violence may also increase without
outlets to decompress due to lack of financial,
occupational, relational, and social resources.
Those impacted by IPV are also at risk for
experiencing a range of adverse health consequences,
including stress, depression, and anxiety.
These health concerns may significantly compromise
immune system functioning which is associated
with increased risk for other health problems.
Healthcare coercion, a form of IPV, may also
be used to control and negatively impact a
partner’s health and/or access to healthcare.
Examples include monitoring a person’s cell
phone activity; keeping a person isolated
from others; withholding access to medical
care; threatening to kick someone out of their
home; exposing loved ones to risk; and physical
abuse.
If you or someone else is experiencing IPV,
here a few suggestions to remain safe during
this time:
Create a safety plan. This may include ways
to remain safe while in a relationship, planning
to leave, or after you leave. Many options
to safety planning are available online as
well as available by speaking with a healthcare
provider or advocate.
Discuss your safety plan with people you trust,
like a neighbor, family member, or a friend.
A code word or signal can be developed to
notify those you trust that you are in danger
or need help.
If there is an escalation of violence, locating escape routes free of weapons in your home
are crucial to your safety plan.
Packing a ‘to-go bag’ or leaving items with a friend
or family member is also helpful should you
need to leave the home abruptly.
If possible, always have a phone accessible
and know what numbers to call for help.
Monitoring the hours of businesses near you may ensure your access to a phone  (if needed) along with
having the phone number to your local shelter
is advised. And if your life is in danger,
call the police for help.
It is also recommended to continue to maintain communication with your support system
outside of your home.
And remember the importance of practicing self-care.
You can read a book, have a cup of tea,
listen to your favorite song, meditate, or
paint a picture. Whatever feels right and
works best for you.
If you are in a safe and supportive relationship,
being required to stay home and having limited
access to public venues can provide a time
to reconnect with one another.
You can play board game, cook a meal together, complete a family project, exercise together, make
a fun video, or choreograph a dance, or even
take a trip down memory lane
with home movies or photos.
The VA is diligently working within the healthcare
system and with other community providers
to ensure Veterans, their partners, and VA
staff have resources and information to assist
with relationship health and safety.
You can reach out to your local Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) Coordinator
and/or other members of your healthcare team for assistance.
For anyone who needs support, help is available.
You are not alone. We are in this together.
Thanks for watching.
♫ Melody ♫
