You’ve suffered enough. Being subjected to an abusive
partner is not fair and doesn’t need to happen. Intimate Partner Violence is a
public health issue that has taken the world by storm for years. Every year,
men and women suffer from physical violence, sexual assault and emotional abuse
by someone who claims to love them.
partner is not fair and doesn’t need to happen. Intimate Partner Violence is a
public health issue that has taken the world by storm for years. Every year,
men and women suffer from physical violence, sexual assault and emotional abuse
by someone who claims to love them.
Facts
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3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by their partner
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In 2007, IPV resulted in 2,340 deaths – making up for 14% of all homicides. Out of these deaths, 70% were women and 30% were men.
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IPV has a drastic effect on the work force. The combination of medical care, mental health services and lost productivity on the job as a result of IPV was $8.3 billion….this was back in 2003 and the numbers have not decreased over the years.
Unfortunately, these statistics don’t even begin to
highlight the problem of IPV. Many IPV incidents are not reported to friends,
family or law enforcement. If you’re not suffering from IPV, someone you know
likely is at this moment.
highlight the problem of IPV. Many IPV incidents are not reported to friends,
family or law enforcement. If you’re not suffering from IPV, someone you know
likely is at this moment.
The Sooner the Better
Being in a tumultuous relationship intertwined with IPV has
dire effects; making it more difficult for the victim to leave as time goes on.
Not only is it vital to prevent IPV, it needs to be stopped in its tracks as
well. In addition to physical harm, the effects of IPV can cause emotional
problems as well. Sleep difficulty, disturbing flashbacks and panic attacks are
just a few of the trauma symptoms experienced by IPV victims. Eventually,
physical and mental health start to take their toll as well.
dire effects; making it more difficult for the victim to leave as time goes on.
Not only is it vital to prevent IPV, it needs to be stopped in its tracks as
well. In addition to physical harm, the effects of IPV can cause emotional
problems as well. Sleep difficulty, disturbing flashbacks and panic attacks are
just a few of the trauma symptoms experienced by IPV victims. Eventually,
physical and mental health start to take their toll as well.
Are you at risk?
You may not be a victim, but are you at risk for IPV? The
following factors are indicators that your partner may cause IPV towards you:
following factors are indicators that your partner may cause IPV towards you:
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Aggressive or violent past
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Witnessing violence as a child
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Drug and Alcohol use, heavy drinking
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Employment problems or other life occurrences that contribute to stress
Although these aren’t definite indicators, they should not
be ignored as past cases have linked these factors to IPV. For additional
factors, please visit www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention.
be ignored as past cases have linked these factors to IPV. For additional
factors, please visit www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention.
You don’t have to
remain a victim
remain a victim
It’s not an easy escape, but it is possible. Take that first
step to healing. These following resources provide assistance for IPV victims.
step to healing. These following resources provide assistance for IPV victims.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – 10800-799-SAFE (7233),
1-800-898-3224 TTY or www.ndvh.org
1-800-898-3224 TTY or www.ndvh.org
If you’re not ready
to take that step, at least talk about it to someone you can trust. I am also
willing to listen. I can be reached at [email protected].
to take that step, at least talk about it to someone you can trust. I am also
willing to listen. I can be reached at [email protected].