Domestic violence is often used as a catch-all term, but it actually covers a specific kind of relationship: abuse between people who live in the same home, whether that’s siblings, a parent and child, or other family members. When the abuse happens within a couple, current or former, whether or not they live together, it’s called intimate partner violence (IPV), and it’s a public health crisis in its own right. Nationally, 1 in 4 women will experience severe physical violence from a partner in their lifetime. In Connecticut, an average of 14 people are killed by an intimate partner each year, and the vast majority, 87%, are women. Over a lifetime, IPV affects about twice as many women as breast cancer.
IVP is a pattern of controlling behavior within an intimate relationship. It doesn’t always look like physical harm — it can also be verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, or technological abuse, leaving a person feeling scared, confused, dependent, and insecure.
To provide advocacy and support for survivors, Women’s Health Connecticut (WHC) partners with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV). Every WHC practice screens patients for IPV and connects those in need with assistance, and our providers and staff complete ongoing training so they’re prepared to respond with care.
Signs of an abusive relationship:
- IPV can take many forms. A partner may be experiencing abuse if they:
- Feel controlled, isolated from friends or family, or unable to make their own decisions
- Are monitored financially or kept from working or managing money
- Experience threats, intimidation, or verbal put-downs
- Are pressured or forced into sexual activity
- Have their communications or devices monitored or restricted
- Experience physical violence of any kind
We ask, because we care
At every annual visit, trimester of pregnancy, and postpartum visit — and any time a physical or verbal finding raises concern — WHC providers ask about IPV. It’s a routine part of care, using a standard set of questions during intake, always asked with the patient alone. If a patient discloses IPV, our staff are trained to listen, support, and make a warm referral to a certified advocate, either with WHC advocate or through CT Safe Connect.
Electronic documentation related to IPV is housed in a secure space within the patient’s record and cannot be viewed in the pstient portal and is not accessible through medical records requests.
You are not alone. IPV affects patients across every socioeconomic, educational, and demographic background. Your appointment is a safe space, and your provider will listen without judgment.
If you’re worried about your safety:
- Talk to your provider. You can bring up IPV at any visit, and you can speak with a WHC advocate without leaving the office.
- Reach out to CT Safe Connect. Advocates are available 24/7 and can help build a safety plan based on your specific situation.
- Know it’s confidential. Services through CT Safe Connect are free, confidential, and voluntary — you don’t even have to give your name.
- Watch for the signs in others. If you’re worried about someone in your life, tell them — let them know you’re willing to talk and to help connect them to resources.
Visit these sites for more information and helpful resources:
CT Safe Connect — Call or text 888-774-2900, available 24/7, or connect by live chat or email.
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)