Intimate partner violence (IPV) – a form of domestic violence – is a national public health issue that has lasting and harmful effects on individuals, families and communities. More than likely, you know someone who has experienced intimate partner violence, even if they have never talked to you about it.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

The effects of IPV can be devastating. IPV is associated with negative health outcomes, as well as mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

A review of U.S. crime statistics indicates that about 1 in 5 homicide victims is killed by an intimate partner. More than half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.

There is no one cause of IPV. IPV involves a complex mix of individual, relationship, community and societal risk factors. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, you can help reduce IPV by learning more about it and supporting programs that promote healthy, respectful relationships.

About Intimate Partner Violence

While domestic violence can occur between any two people in a household, intimate partner violence specifically refers to violence within romantic partnerships, regardless of whether the couple is married.

IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is, according to the CDC. It can range from one episode of violence to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years.

IPV encompasses a range of interconnected behaviors, often occurring at the same time, said Aultman Serenity Program Nurse Adenike Gbadebo, DNP, APRN, SANE-A. These include:

• Physical and sexual violence
• Coercion
• Threats
• Intimidation
• Emotional abuse
• Isolation
• Minimizing, denying and blaming
• Weaponizing children
• Male privilege
• Economic abuse

“Survivors report that the behavior of their abuser is purposeful and systematic, not random,” Gbadebo said. “That’s because abusers aim to exert control over their partners, reflecting the belief that they have the right to control them.”

In fact, the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when they try to leave their abuser. The victim’s attempts to leave represent a significant loss of control for the abuser, causing the abuse to escalate.

You can find a more detailed description of these abusive behaviors in the Power and Control Wheel, developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project of Duluth, Minnesota.

How You Can Help

The CDC identifies ways that community members can work together to prevent IPV. These include teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, engaging influential adults and peers, disrupting developmental pathways toward partner violence, creating protective environments, strengthening economic supports for families and supporting survivors to increase their safety and lessen harms.

Gbadebo said that as an individual, you can also help prevent IPV in the following ways:

• Listen to and believe survivors.
• Understand consent.
• Educate yourself on domestic violence.
• Educate youth.
• Share your knowledge and resources with others in your community.
• Promote healthy relationships in your family, workplace and community.

Resources

Many resources are available for anyone who needs help related to IPV. Several national, state and local resources are listed below. Additional resources can be found on the Aultman Health System website.

National
24/7 crisis line:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233) or live chat at
https://www.thehotline.org/#

State
Ohio Domestic Violence Network: 800-934-9840 or 614-781-9651

Local
Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter
Services: 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter
Crisis Line: 330-823-7223
Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter

Compass Rape Crisis, Canton and New Philadelphia
Services: 24-hour hotline, hospital/court advocacy, school education, community training, support groups, referrals, assistance with obtaining civil protection orders, counseling and community outreach
Crisis Line, Tuscarawas and Carroll counties: 330-339-1427
Crisis Line, Stark County: 330-452-1111
COMPASS: Sexual Assault Education, Prevention & Support 

Domestic Violence Project Incorporated (DVPI), Canton
Services: 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, outreach and aftercare, legal advocacy, transitional housing program and medical advocacy
Crisis Line: 330-453-SAFE (7233)
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (dvpi.org)

One-Eighty, Wooster and Millersburg
Services: 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, victim advocacy, Counseling Service, danger assessment program, additional support services, rape crisis center, addiction/substance use, residential treatment, mental health counseling, community relations/prevention, peer support and housing support
Crisis Line, Wayne and Holmes counties: 800-686-1122
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault - OneEighty

Sources:
Aultman Health System
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention