VCU news

In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Virginia Commonwealth University Health hosted a Twitter chat to shed light on the topic, as well as to inform the community about the services it offers to victims. Project EMPOWER, which is under VCU Medical Center’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program, is a multi-disciplinary initiative dedicated to enhancing prevention and intervention services for individuals who experience intimate partner violence or sexual violence, and their families.

Caitlin Shiflett, victim advocate and Project EMPOWER coordinator, answered community questions via Twitter, along with Lissette Johnson, a domestic violence survivor and Project EMPOWER peer advocate. Below are their replies to questions raised during the Twitter chat.

What is the IVPP program at VCU Health?

VCU Health IVPP is a collection of different outreach programs that address various forms of violence. Our domestic violence program within IVPP is Project EMPOWER, which provides direct services to patients and training to providers.

Why should someone be concerned about intimate partner violence even if it is not present in their own life?

Chances are you may encounter someone experiencing abuse. A collective response is needed. Abuse doesn't end with the survivor.

How could I support someone I know experiencing intimate partner violence?

To support, you can listen, reflect concerns, and provide a resource. Conversely, do not judge why someone stays, or suggest they leave without knowing the details

How can health care play a preventive role in intimate partner violence?

Health care providers have a chance to screen their patients regularly, which provides an opportunity to disclose abuse. Individuals who experience abuse see their doctor two and a half times more than average. Approximately 44 to 47 percent of females killed by a partner saw their doctor that year.

What does intimate partner violence look like?

IPV is unique in the context of each relationship. Forms of IPV are verbal, financial, physical, sexual and involve isolation. A helpful tool is the Deluth Power and Control wheel which can be found at http://bit.ly/1LNXxkO.

Why do people stay in abusive relationships? 

It is very complicated. Without a good safety plan, the process of leaving increases vulnerability for additional harm. Let’s consider asking why people abuse, instead of why people stay.

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