Intimate partner violence—also called domestic violence—is a significant public health issue among Veterans and civilians. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner.
Significant progress has been made toward identifying, preventing and helping those who have experienced domestic violence, but there is still work to be done:
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
- Roughly 10 million people annually experience domestic violence.
- Domestic violence does not have a specific race, age or gender; it affects women, men and children of all different races, status, religions and cultures.
Take the White Ribbon VA Pledge
For too many families, domestic violence is considered a personal issue. With added awareness and a show of unity, we can provide the support to the experiencers of intimate partner violence and put an end to the behavior.
How you can help
- Learn the warning signs of domestic violence and what to do if you experience or witness these warning signs. Warning signs include unexplained or repeated injuries, delay in seeking care, injuries during pregnancy, multiple visits to the emergency room, suicide attempts or ideations, substance use, fearful or evasive behavior, and lack of independence. VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program has resources you can use if you experience or see any of these warning signs.
- Understand the connection between sexual assault and domestic violence. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that about 15-25% of women are sexually assaulted by an intimate partner. Sexual violence is another way of controlling and taking away a person’s power. Although some domestic violence victims have outward signs of abuse, many suffer abuse in other ways.
- Learn what constitutes harassment and sexual assault and how to stand up against it with VA’s Bystander Intervention Training. This easy-to-access online training provides tools and techniques to respond if Veterans witness harassment or sexual assault. The training will increase confidence in recognizing situations where harassment or sexual assault is taking place, and it will equip Veterans with the knowledge and skills to stop those situations from escalating.
- Take the White Ribbon VA Pledge. White Ribbon VA is a national call to action to eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence across VA by promoting a positive change in culture. White Ribbon VA is an awareness movement where all—regardless of gender—can participate.
Take the pledge: I pledge to never commit, excuse or stay silent about sexual harassment, sexual assault or domestic violence against others.
Who to contact in case of domestic violence, sexual assault or harassment
If you experience or witness an incident, VA encourages you to connect with VA Police, a VA Patient Advocate, an Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator, a mental health provider, your primary care provider, or a Women Veterans Program Manager right away.
You can also find help by:
- Calling the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255, or
- Calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
Topics in this story
More Stories
Caregivers ensure care for our Veteran’s doesn’t stop when they leave a VA medical center.
For the Great American Smokeout, explore VA resources and learn why every attempt to stop smoking is a step toward success.
If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide, resources and support are available to help you cope during your grieving and healing.
I never really knew that PTSD went beyond soldiers that were effected by war, almost ten years later, I’ve finally realized it’s ok to be a victim, right? I didn’t want to look like I was week and he had won.
What I realized recently is yes he made me a victim from all the horrible things he did to me and my daughter and yes it has affected us greatly to this day! It’s time to really deal with the aftermath and stop thinking it’s done
The abuse I had gotten from the VA S.W. clinic seems like abuse , refusing to let me talk to my doctor . Refusing to give me a over the phone covid diagnoses , but refusing to let me in the clinic . VA police and veteran affairs said they have to give me a over the phone diagnoses . The rn say’s it is illigal . Abuse ? RN got me fired from my job . Job wanted that diagnoses . Who put that abusive rn in charge ?
I had a partner and she variably abused me by trying to entice me into a physical altercation and she got me arrested because she said that I beat her up and strangled her. I never did such a thing and the Marlboro police arrested me on her comments. I am not guilty on those charges. She Nancy has a personally problem and is sarcastic rude and wants to ruin my life.
Hi, my wife, I researched and found out that she has a Narcistic disorder. You have to get a licensed psychologist and show this personality disorder in the DSMV-5. In 2005 or 2006 I separated myself from my wife because she would abuse me psychologically. She was making me feel like I was the problem and she was the victim. During this time, she divorced me and told the judge that I had put knife to her throat. She would always use my PTSD and other Vietnam experiences to make me look like the crazy Nam Vet that the news had maliciously branded every Vet. She would constantly call the police on me and use her character smear campaign to ruin my reputation. She would always tell the police that she feared for her life. I asked the police to ask for prove or witness’s of course she could not come up with any legal documentation. So she filed an order to prevent me from seeing my son. In 2008 she made the mistake of taking me back. If your wife put a knife on your throat; would you take her back???? She even went as far as to make my VA psychologist and my primary care doctor take her side. She would call them when I was not home. I made the mistake of signing a power of attorney giving her permission to speak to anybody at the VA. I loved her and I trusted her with my life. A narcissist will say or do anything to get what they want; including using any one to take her side. Did you ever tell any one in mental health how she was abusing you and belittling you in front of family and friends. Go to mental health get documentation then get a lawyer that knows about personality disorders. God bless you through Jesus Christ. By the way did police take any pictures of cuts or bruises.
Sorry, your statement that “anyone can be affected by domestic violence is not true”. Many of us live alone and domestic violence is not an issue. Just a comment!!. Hank Lavery
what about elder abuse
im not try again i was explaining but computer aka people still messing thats why they should stop doing drugs, people should say something when they see or hear but i don’t wont call for help. Some cities are truly sick and twisted. Sad when it gets fatal and than all of the community gets outraged and says they dont’t understand how something like that could happen in their neighborhood but wouldn’t call the law themselves. I seen way to much.
My husband would lie to the chaplain when we would go see him he was on the same ship.