October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, join us to see what the Veterans Health Administration
Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program is doing to raise awareness about Intimate
Partner Violence in October 2020.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981
observed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence.
Intimate Partner Violence is a type of Domestic Violence.
It is a serious public health problem that affects millions of Americans.
IPV is any violent behavior including, but not limited to, physical or sexual violence,
stalking, and psychological aggression or coercive acts by a current or former intimate
partner Intimate Partner Violence can vary in both frequency and severity, can occur
in heterosexual or same-sex relationships, and does not require sexual intimacy or cohabitation
During the month of October, IPV Assistance Program Coordinators and Champions at every
VA across the country collaborate with partners inside and outside
of the VA to spread awareness about IPV and share resources
to assist Veterans, their partners, and VA Employees who are impacted by the use or experience
of IPV.
The IPV Assistance Program encourages the importance of seeking assistance through a
relationship check with this year’s Domestic Violence Awareness
month theme: Check Up, Check In, Check Out Relationship Health and safety.
This theme emphasizes the importance of three separate pieces of a relationship check.
A relationship Check Up is an opportunity to seek assistance from your VA care team
about relationship health and safety.
During the Relationship Health & Safety Check Up, Veterans are screened for the experience
of Intimate Partner Violence a relationship checkup is an opportunity for, education,
prevention, and early intervention checkups allow for a pause to set goals and optimize
health.
Goals can include many activities to promote healthy relationships, such as expressing
appreciation... clear communication... and conflict resolution.
Unhealthy and dangerous relationship behaviors include use of control, aggression, Manipulation
and Volatility.
You may speak to an IPV Assistance Program Coordinator or Champion to assist you if your
relationship is unhealthy or unsafe.
Completing a relationship checkup can help one recognize the importance of developing
a self-care or time-out plan for a stressful situation.
The VA is a confidential & safe place to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Relationship stress can lead to feeling isolated and alone.
This can be an important reminder to reach out to friends, family or your VA team.
Whether you are currently in a healthy or unhealthy relationship, the VA is here to
help with follow up support and resources.
Services include couples’ workshops to learn healthy communication skills, and to manage
stress, anger, and relationship conflict groups for Veterans to learn more effective ways
of managing stress and anger.
Your local IPVAP Coordinator can also help refer you to individual or couples’ therapy,
complete safety planning, and connect you with community partners.
On the VA IPV Assistance Program website, you can check out resources and connect with
the local IPV assistance program coordinator at your VA location.
There’s no better time than now, to complete your relationship, check up with your VA care
team.