Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes intimate partner violence (IPV) as a serious, yet preventable, public health issue that may disproportionately affect Veterans. IPV refers to physical, sexual, or psychological aggression (including coercive acts and stalking behaviors) by a current or former intimate partner.
We encourage Veterans, their partners, and VA staff to check up, check in, and check out IPVAP Coordinator resources and services.
VHA Cares about Relationship Health and Safety
Our lives are significantly enriched by healthy relationships. Building a family, weathering difficulties, and enjoying life’s pleasures—these are among the many reasons people desire a spouse or partner. No relationship is perfect. Relationship problems, such as communication difficulties or anger and aggression, may be affecting you, and you may require assistance. The VA can assist you, wherever you may be in your relationship.
The Importance of IPV Education and Support
The mission of the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) is to promote relationship health and safety with services that include screening, safety planning, and clinical interventions for individuals who experience or use IPV. Routine relationship health and safety screening is an essential step to preventing violence and mitigating risks such as suicide, homicide, and homelessness. When IPV is disclosed, VHA staff can assist Veterans with creating a plan to enhance their safety tailored to their unique needs.
VHA offers a wide array of therapeutic interventions, such as Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE) for individuals who experience IPV and Strength at Home for Veterans who use or are at risk of using IPV.
For more information, visit https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV, talk to your local IPVAP Coordinator (https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Coordinators.asp), or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Not yet a patient at VA?
Find help in the community by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 (SAFE) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
* Links with an asterisk (*) next to them will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. This link does not constitute endorsement of the non-VA website or its sponsor.
