Domestic violence is sometimes referred to as intimate partner violence, which is what the CDC calls it. In the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey State Report 2010-2012, CDC researchers find that:

In the U.S., 1 in 4 women (27.4%) and 1 in 9 men (11.0%) have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime and reported an IPV-related impact (e.g., injury, fear, concern for safety, needing services).

You can find other domestic violence fact sheets at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence/intimate partner violence takes many forms, including physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological and emotional abuse. The Power and Control Wheel created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program (often referred to as the Duluth Model) illustrates the tactics perpetrators use and the ways they may overlap and intersect.

In October, we commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. You can read the history of DVAM here. The Joyful Heart Foundation is offering tools to support survivors throughout the month.

The Prevention, Education & Advocacy Center and its peer educators, along with Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties, were on Britton Plaza today raising awareness about domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Members of the Dickinson community shared their thoughts about the need to end DV/IPV through the Why I Wear Purple project and picked up educational materials.

Dickinson offers support for students experiencing DV/IPV:

Confidential support
Students seeking confidential support related to sexual assault, dating violence or stalking, can make an appointment with the Wellness Center or stop in during open hours (M-F 11-12 and 2-3 p.m.). Confidential advocacy support is also available by calling the 24/7 Advocacy Hotline at 717-831-8850. Students also can make an appointment to meet with an advocate by email at advocate@dickinson.edu (non-emergency only).

Private but not confidential support
Students seeking to report cases of sexual violence, dating violence or stalking to the college and students wishing to learn about options and available support can do so by contacting Interim Title IX Coordinator, Joyce Bylander (bylander@dickinson.edu), or the Director of LGBTQ Services Erica Gordon Lawrence (lawrener@dickinson.edu).

Do your part to help end domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Volunteer at DVS or find other suggestions for action here, here, and here.