How to Get Help for Intimate Partner Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which includes Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Awareness Month. IPV occurs between romantic partners, can happen to anyone, and can come in various forms. Abuse is not just physical; it also presents as mental, financial, and emotional abuse.

This week, the ACS and its IPV Task Force shares the final set of public service announcements (PSAs) on various IPV-related issues. Below are links to video PSAs on getting help and a concluding video of why IPV Awareness Month is important to surgeons’ health and safety.

Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month—How to Get Help

Alexander Eastman, MD, FACS, a member of the ACS Intimate Partner Violence Task Force, goes through ways a bystander can be an upstander if they notice that someone is suffering and experiencing Intimate Partner Violence.

Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month—Conclusion of the 2024 Intimate Partner Violence Month

D’Andrea Joseph, MD, FACS, Vice-Chair of the ACS Intimate Partner Violence Task Force, concludes the month by reminding surgeons of resources they can access.

If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV, consider using these resources for support:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline—Support is available 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY. If you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto www.thehotline.org or text START to 88788
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 24/7, confidential and free, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via chat
• National Parent Helpline, Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm–9:00 pm CT, 1-855-427-2736
• An interactive guide to safety planning

On October 30, the IPV Task Force will host a webinar on advocacy and legal protections related to IPV. Learn more and register for this free webinar.