October is domestic violence awareness month. Here’s what you should know about this public health issue:
What is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate partner violence (IPV) involves four types of aggressive behavior that harms someone in a close relationship. An intimate partner can be a current or former boyfriend, girlfriend, fiancé or spouse. The violence can be as brief as one episode or it can continue on for years.
What are the four different forms of violence?
Physical Violence – this involves physical force used by a partner. Some examples include hitting, kicking, slapping, pushing, and the use of any weapons.
Sexual Violence – this involves forcing a partner to engage in any sexual act that is non-consensual. This can also include unwanted sexual messages or images via text message or social media.
Stalking – this involves watching, following, repetitive calling, incessant messaging or any form of unwanted and unsolicited attention from a current or past partner.
Psychological Aggression – this involves mental, emotional, or psychological harm caused by a partner who wishes to gain power and control over the other partner. Examples include threats, accusations, and coercion.
Who is affected?
The CDC reports that millions of Americans in heterosexual or same-sex relationships are affected by one or more forms of IPV every year. 1 out of 4 women and 1 out of 7 men report experiencing one or more forms of IPV in their lifetime.
What are the consequences of Intimate partner violence?
For the individual, IPV can cause physical injury, mental health issues (depression, PTSD), and chronic gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal issues. IPV can even result in death; the U.S. crime database reports that 1 in 6 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner.
What can I do about it?
Encourage victims to speak up. If you are a victim, talk to your doctor. Your physician can help you to locate the resources needed to assist you. Utilize resources such as safe havens or healthy relationship counseling that offer support to those affected by IPV. For more information and to learn about services available, please visit CDC.gov/violenceprevention.
If you or someone you know suffers from intimate partner violence, tell your doctor immediately. To schedule an appointment with a Family Medicine Doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-6942.
Sujal Singh D.O.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.