October 2023 Charity of the Month: Domestic Violence

Domestic and intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue in America, yet the urgency of this issue is not always recognized. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. This equates to more than 10 million women and men during one year.[1] To bring attention to this pressing problem, CharityRx has selected Heart Haven Women & Children’s Shelter and local women’s shelters as our October Charity of the Month.

What is intimate partner violence?

According to the CDC, intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. “Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have a lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years. IPV can include any of the following types of behavior:

• Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
• Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.
• Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
• Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally or to exert control over a partner.[2]

How big is the problem?

Intimate partner violence is common. It affects millions of people in the United States each year. It’s important to note that domestic and intimate partner violence can happen to anyone. Data from CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) indicate: 

• About 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, concern for safety, fear, needing help from law enforcement, and missing at least one day of work are common impacts reported.
• 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence yearly, and 90% are eyewitnesses.[1]
• Over 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
• IPV starts early and continues throughout people’s lives. When IPV occurs in adolescence, it is called teen dating violence (TDV). TDV affects millions of U.S. teens each year. About 16 million women and 11 million men who reported experiencing contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime said that they first experienced these forms of violence before age 18. 
• While violence impacts all people in the United States, some individuals and communities experience inequities in risk for violence due to the social and structural conditions in which they live, work, and play. Youth from groups that have been marginalized, such as sexual and gender minority youth, are at greater risk of experiencing sexual and physical dating violence.[3]

Effects on Children

The cycle of abuse created by domestic and intimate partner violence can be a life-long struggle for children trapped in unsafe environments. Studies show that when a child is exposed to abuse in their home, they are more likely to be physically or sexually assaulted later in life. In addition to physical, behavioral, psychological, and cognitive effects, children exposed to IPV often learn destructive lessons about the use of violence and power in relationships. Children may learn that it is acceptable to exert control or relieve stress by using violence or that violence is in some way linked to expressions of intimacy and affection. These lessons can have a powerful negative effect on children’s social situations and relationships throughout childhood and later life.[5]

How to get help

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to provide support and guidance. You are not alone. 

Helping Survivors

You can also help survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence in your own way. Volunteering at a shelter or donating needed items are just a few examples of how you can make an impact. By working together, we can make sure that everyone living in abusive situations has the resources they need to stay safe and start new lives free from violence. 

Join CharityRx this October in our mission to support survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. Let’s make a difference together! Don’t forget to use the CharityRx prescription discount card at your local pharmacy – every purchase helps survivors in need! 

With our donations, we can help create a future where everyone lives free from fear and violence. Together, let’s ensure every survivor has access to the resources they need to live safe and supported lives.

Close to Home

In addition to donating to Heart Haven Women & Children’s Shelter, CharityRx team members across the country will be donating needed items to local shelters and aid organizations. Each shelter has different needs, depending on its location, capacity, and time of year. To do the most good, we will reach out to organizations to personalize the items we donate.

Let’s come together this October to make sure that survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence have access to the resources they need to live safe and supported lives. Join CharityRx in supporting Heart Haven Women & Children’s Shelter and local women’s shelters – every purchase helps make a difference! 

We encourage you to reach out and volunteer at your local shelter, lend a helping hand, and spread awareness about domestic and intimate partner violence. You can share your experiences, use your platform to amplify the voices of survivors, and raise awareness for this important issue in many ways. Remember to hashtag #CharityRxCares and #EndDomesticViolence when sharing on social media!

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HOW CAN I HELP?

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Resources:

[1] NCADV, National Statistics

[2] CDC: Intimate Partner Violence Fast Facts

[3] CDC: National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)

[4] The Hotline

[5] NCTSN, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network