(Published June 28, 2021)
Intimate partner violence impacts as many as one in 4 women and 1 in 9 men, and can include severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking. (Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Your Life Iowa encourages you to learn about risks, resources and ways to support those you care about.
In Iowa, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women have experienced contact sexual violence (including rape, sexual coercion, and/or unwanted sexual contact) in their lifetime. (Source: The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010-2012 State Report). Anyone can experience intimate partner violence. However, there are individual, relationship and community risk factors that can increase the chances of experiencing intimate partner violence.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individual risk factors include
- Low self-esteem
- Low income
- Young age
- Heavy alcohol and drug use
- Depression and suicide attempts
- Having few friends and being isolated from other people
- and more
According to the CDC, relationship risk factors include
- Marital conflict–fights, tension, and other struggles
- Jealousy, possessiveness, and negative emotion within an intimate relationship
- Economic stress
- Unhealthy family relationships and interactions
- Having few friends and being isolated from other people
- and more
For more risk factors, including community and societal risk factors, visit the CDC website. While anyone can experience intimate partner violence, there are prevention measures that can help reduce risks. Prevention measures include
- teaching healthy and positive relationship skills
- create protective and supportive environments
- support survivors to increase safety and lessen harms
- and more
October is Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, Your Life Iowa wants you to know that you are not alone. We are here 24/7 to support you and help you navigate available resources. Call Your Life Iowa at (855) 581-8111 or text at (855) 895-8398 for support no matter what you may be facing.
Learn more with these resources:
National Network to End Domestic Violence free coloring pages for download
CDC resource on HIV and intimate partner violence