VA Western Colorado Health Care System

Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program

What Is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?

Any violent behavior including, but not limited to, physical or sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner that occurs on a continuum of frequency and severity which ranges from one episode that might or might not have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over a period of years. It can occur in heterosexual or same-sex relationships and does not require sexual intimacy or cohabitation.

EMOTIONAL IPV is when a person tries to hurt his/her partner’s self-worth. It is common for emotional IPV to begin before other types of IPV.

Examples include:

• Name-calling, putting you down
• Controlling your money or spending
• Keeping you from friends and family
• Bullying, stalking
• Controlling where you go or what you wear

PHYSICAL IPV is when a person tries to hurt his/her partner by using physical force.

Examples include:

• Hitting, slapping
• Strangulation
• Biting
• Shoving
• Kicking
• Restraining
• Hair-pulling

SEXUAL IPV is when a person forces or tries to convince their partner to engage in sexual activity when the other partner does not want to or is unable to consent (for example, when someone is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.)

THREATS OF VIOLENCE are ways to cause fear through words, actions, or weapons to harm the partner, their possessions, their pets, or their loved ones.

STALKING occurs when a person frequently or continuously contacts, follows talks to, or sends things to his/her partner when the other partner does not want them to do these things.

Examples include:

• Knowing your daily schedule
• Showing up at places you go
• Sending mail, e-mail, texts, or pictures
• Calling or texting repeatedly
• Cyber-stalking (Contacting you or posting about you on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Creating a website about you
• Sending unwanted gifts
• Tracking you via GPS devices in your phone or car
• Gaining access to your email or social networking accounts 
• Using force in any way that intimidates
• Monitoring your online behavior or cell phone communication (texts and phone calls)
  

What Are the Effects of IPV?

MENTAL HEALTH

Examples include:

• Sadness
• Feeling “on edge”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble relaxing
• Being Stressed out
• Trouble sleeping
• Nightmares
• Feelings of shame or guilt
• Blaming yourself for what happened

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Examples include:

• Pain
• Neck Swelling
• Headaches
• Pregnancy complications
• Stomach problems
• Bruises/cuts
• Broken bones
• Fatal injuries
• Female health problems

SOCIAL HEALTH

Examples include:

• Avoiding new relationships
• Feeling uncomfortable or unsafe in relationships
• Money problems
• Difficulties trusting people
• Pulling away or isolating from friends and family
• Homelessness

If you answer yes to any of the questions above or identify with any of the behaviors detailed above, VA can help. Some people experience only one of these forms of violence while others may experience more. No matter what, no one deserves to be treated this way. You are not alone.

VA offers effective therapies for mental health care that commonly occur with IPV, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and alcohol or drug use problems. For more information or assistance, contact your local Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Coordinator, primary care social worker or other provider. Women Veterans may also ask for the Women Veterans Program Manager. VA employees who are impacted by IPV may contact their Employee Assistance Program.

Not yet a patient at VA? - Apply Now

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Domestic Violence Local Resources:

• Mesa County 24 Hour Crisis Line: 970-241-6704
• Montrose, Delta, Ouray County 24 Hour Crisis Line: 1-844-990-5500.