♫Melody♫
In the United States, 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.
Like the COVID-19 pandemic or a hurricane.
For example, while physical distancing may prevent the spread of COVID-19,
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 related to COVID-19.
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 health care 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 health care 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 health care team for assistance.
For anyone who needs support, help is available.
You are not alone.
We are in this together.
Thanks for watching.
♫Melody♫