Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). The VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) recognizes Domestic Violence (DV), and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a serious yet preventable public health problem that may disproportionately affect Veterans. The term, “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual or psychological harm (including coercive acts) by a current or former partner or spouse that occurs on a continuum of frequency or severity and does not require sexual intimacy or cohabitation. The IPVAP provides comprehensive and integrated services through a trauma-informed, person-centered, and recovery-oriented approach. The IPVAP recommends and promotes prevention and early intervention for those impacted by IPV.
We encourage Veterans, their Partners, and VA staff to Check Up, Check In and Check Out IPVAP Coordinator resources and services.
Building Relationship Health and Safety for Life
The theme “Building Relationship Health and Safety for Life,” will continue to mobilize a national call to action to recognize the importance healthy relationships play in a person’s health and wellbeing throughout life. Supportive connected relationships are vital protective factors for physical and mental health. Healthy relationships can improve overall health, buffer the negative impacts of stress, improve healthy lifestyle choices, and increase quality of life.
The Importance of IPV Education and Support
All forms of IPV can negatively impact relationship health, well-being, and safety. Without intervention, IPV has the potential to result in harmful, or sometimes fatal outcomes. Providing universal education and support across the health care system is a vital step toward promoting prevention and early intervention for those who experience or use IPV. For individuals experiencing IPV, having access to education and support empowers individuals to make informed choices about their relationship safety and options. Education helps individuals recognize that they may be using IPV behaviors in their intimate partner relationships and encourages them to reach out for help. Couples who are caught in a cycle of conflict or poor communication styles can seek education and support to help improve their relationship skills.
In recognition of DVAM National Wear Purple Day, show your support the third Thursday in October and wear purple to help raise awareness of IPV. Additionally, please take the time to learn about available resources, increase awareness of healthy and safe relationships and refer Veterans, their partners, and VA staff to the IPVAP for services. It is imperative as a community to prevent and disrupt IPV. Together, we can make a difference.  
Learn More About VA IPVAP And Other VA Services
- VA Whole Health
- National IPVAP Website
- National Center for PTSD
- National Domestic Violence Hotline*
- Veterans Crisis Line
- Futures Without Violence*
- myPlan App: Safety Planning Application*
- VA National Social Work
For more information or assistance, contact your local Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Corrdinator, Primary Care Social Worker or other Provider. Women Veterans can also ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager.
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.
