Health / Public Health Content Topic Results

The Intersections Between Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS

ckeene — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:24:19 +0000

The Intersections Between Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS ckeene Wed, 08/10/2016 - 14:24

Published

September 01, 2015

Author(s)

Intimate partner violence and HIV/AIDS have devastating impacts on individuals and communities at large. They also have strong correlations, putting survivors of domestic violence at increased risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women experiencing intimate partner violence have four times the risk of contracting STIs including HIV, than women not experiencing domestic violence. Studies suggest that intimate partner violence can be both a risk factor for HIV, and a consequence of HIV (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Despite a broader understanding of HIV/AIDS, increased research, and greater access to prevention services, the proportion of AIDS diagnoses reported among women has more than tripled since 1985. Persistent gender inequality, ableism, gender based violence and homophobia create barriers for women, people with disabilities and LGBTQ individuals in preventing HIV and receiving care after a diagnosis.

Additionally, due to social, cultural and economic factors, women of color, and specifically Black/African-American women, bear the burden of both HIV and intimate partner violence. African American women constituted 64% of all women diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2010 and are 14 times more likely to die from AIDS-related complications than white women with HIV/AIDS (AmFAR, 2015). African-American women have an HIV prevalence rate nearly four times that of white women in the United States. African American females also experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than that of white females, and about 2.5 times the rate of women of other races (US Department of Justice, 2001).

At the intersection of HIV/AIDS and intimate partner violence is sexual violence. Abusers commonly use sexual abuse and coercion to control the sexual, physical and reproductive rights of their partners. This increases the risk of HIV through forced sex, restricting access to condoms, and denying victims access to healthcare.

This Special Collection is designed to assist domestic violence advocates in providing support and resources to victims of domestic violence who are also living with HIV/AIDS or at risk of contracting HIV due to violence in the context of their relationship. This collection contains resources to help advocates and service providers understand HIV/AIDS and its connection to intimate partner violence, and provides resources to help expand program capacity to serve victims living with HIV/AIDS.

This collection may use the term victim and survivor interchangeably to talk about a person who is experiencing or has experienced intimate partner violence. We recognize different communities and individuals may identify with one term over another, or some other term altogether. Additionally, this collection may use the terms domestic violence and intimate partner violence interchangeably to refer to violence happening within the context of a current or past intimate or romantic relationship.

This collection uses resources freely available on the Internet, citing and utilizing work and tools from many different partners, agencies, and government entities. Our hope is that this collection creates a simplified, one-stop compilation of the newest and most relevant information available on the subject. We intend to update this special collection regularly and add new documents, resources and information as it becomes available. We welcome your comments, suggestions, and information about documents for this special collection.

Special thanks to Alicia Gill for her work on this collection, and to our partners who provided input to the content: National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence, National Network to End Domestic Violence, Virginia Anti-Violence Project, Fan Free Clinic, and Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic Violence: Understanding the Intersections

ckeene — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 22:46:03 +0000

Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic Violence: Understanding the Intersections ckeene Thu, 08/11/2016 - 18:46

Published

June 01, 2014

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a specific type of damage to the brain that is caused by external physical force and is not present at birth or degenerative. A blow (or blows) to the head, shaking of the brain, loss of oxygen (anoxia), colliding with a stationary object and exposure to blasts can cause a TBI. Based on this definition, the use of physical force by an intimate partner during incidents of domestic violence can cause traumatic brain injury as abusive partners often cause injury to a victim’s head, neck (including strangulation), and face. In one study, 30% of domestic violence survivors reported a loss of consciousness at least once and 67% reported residual problems that were potentially head-injury related (Corrigan, Wolfe, Mysiw, Jackson & Bogner, 2003).

However, TBI often goes undiagnosed amongst domestic violence survivors. One reason for this is that domestic violence survivors, who also have a TBI, may exhibit symptoms that could resemble those of a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, tension and/or inability to adapt to changing situations. Additionally, DV/TBI survivors may appear to have behavioral issues, including problems with keeping appointments, following through, or completing tasks that require multiple steps.

Anecdotal information from survivors and advocates indicates that victims with TBI are often questioned in regards to their ability to parent. At a training for domestic violence advocates, a TBI survivor as a result of domestic violence shared how she would forget to pick up her daughter from school, which prompted a call to the Child Protective Services agency in her area. Others have talked about the difficulties they experienced while living in congregate settings where following rules was, at times, problematic. These kinds of behaviors are often not intentional and survivors may even appear to be uncooperative and oppositional. However, it is important to keep in mind that many of these perceived behaviors might be directly related to the TBI. Therefore, it is crucial for domestic violence service providers and health care professionals to understand the prevalence and effects of TBI within the context of domestic violence.

This Special Collection offers information about the intersection between domestic violence and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It provides advocates and other professionals with tools to screen for TBI within the context of domestic violence as well as presentations, articles, and other relevant resources on the topic.

The purpose of this collection is to: 1) increase knowledge and understanding of TBI within the context of domestic violence, 2) provide tools to advocates and other professionals to screen domestic violence survivors for TBI, and 3) highlight best practices.

The NRCDV provides a wide range of free, comprehensive, and individualized technical assistance, training, and specialized resource materials and projects designed to enhance current intervention and prevention strategies. To suggest additional resources we should include in this collection or for ongoing technical assistance and other resources, please contact the NRCDV Technical Assistance Team.

Domestic Violence and Health Care

ckeene — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 19:11:19 +0000

Domestic Violence and Health Care ckeene Tue, 08/09/2016 - 15:11

Published

January 01, 2013

Health care settings provide an immense opportunity for health care providers to address the problem of domestic violence. Patients who are at risk of abuse, who are being abused, or have been abused are likely to seek services for regular health care, injuries, or chronic health problems related to abuse. In addition, patients who use violence against their partners are also likely to seek health services. This provides opportunities for health care providers to prevent or respond to domestic violence by identifying patients who are using violence or being abused, documenting abuse, guiding patients affected by domestic violence in safety planning, and making referrals to advocates. Health care providers are also in a unique position to engage in primary prevention. This can be done by disseminating information about domestic violence through on-going dialogue with patients about healthy relationships or by educating against domestic violence through posters, pamphlets, and brochures.

This special collection on health care and domestic violence draws heavily from the work of the Futures Without Violence National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence. The resources included in this special collection are organized into the following five areas: 1) the impact of domestic violence on health; 2) public health approaches to domestic violence prevention; 3) guidelines and issues concerning identification and intervention by health care providers; 4) information about collaboration between health care providers and domestic violence advocates; and 5) training. This special collection also includes a bibliography of related journal articles. For information on federal regulations, state statutes and policies relevant to addressing domestic violence in health care settings, including information on mandatory reporting laws, please visit the website of the National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

This collection was developed by staff of the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse in consultation with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.

Capacity Building for Domestic Violence Prevention Programming

ckeene — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 00:05:54 +0000

Capacity Building for Domestic Violence Prevention Programming ckeene Tue, 08/09/2016 - 20:05

Published

August 01, 2012

Domestic violence is preventable! As the movement to end domestic violence embraces this concept and explores the implementation of effective prevention programming, it is necessary to first examine the capacity of our networks, communities, and agencies to take on this work. The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence defines organizational capacity for primary prevention as “the agency’s ability to support and implement domestic and sexual violence prevention efforts” (2012). When an agency fully embraces primary prevention, the work becomes part of the organizational culture, existing in all departments, volunteers, board members, and administrators (PreventConnect, 2012). It all begins with systems change within our organizations.

This collection provides materials to support the work of building this capacity for primary prevention work – primarily on the organizational level, but also as it relates to assessing and influencing change in individuals, communities, and institutions. The resources offered as part of this collection describe lessons learned from the CDC’s DELTA PREP project, provide capacity building guidelines, and review the necessary steps of readiness assessment, program development, training, evaluation, and planning for sustainability when it comes to implementing effective strategies to prevent domestic violence.

This collection was developed by the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence. Special thanks to PreventConnect, the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control for sharing their expertise and input to inform the content of this collection.

FindTreatment Directory

fdaza — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:45:42 +0000

FindTreatment Directory fdaza Wed, 07/01/2026 - 19:45

General Material

Published Date

July, 2026

Publisher(s)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

This confidential federal resource helps individuals locate mental health and substance use treatment facilities across the United States using an easy-to-use search tool. It also provides information about treatment options, crisis support services, payment resources, and recovery, making it a valuable resource for survivors of domestic and sexual violence seeking trauma-informed behavioral health care.

Associated Links

FindTreatment.gov

Material Categories

Raising Awareness

Accessibility

Counseling & Crisis Intervention

Self Care / Vicarious Trauma

Healthcare

Attitudes / Perception / Awareness

Health / Public Health

Mental Health

Resilience / Healing

Continuity of Care: Building Partnerships with Community Organizations for IPV/HT Services

fdaza — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:39:08 +0000

Continuity of Care: Building Partnerships with Community Organizations for IPV/HT Services fdaza Wed, 08/19/2026 - 12:39

General Material

Published Date

September, 2025

Publisher(s)

Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States

The presentation describes practical strategies for health care providers to respond to IPV, including routine screening, trauma-informed care, warm handoffs, confidentiality, safety planning, and coordinated referrals. Through a case example, the presenter demonstrates how collaboration between dental, primary care, behavioral health, and community organizations can connect survivors with critical resources such as shelter, legal assistance, and relocation support. The presentation also emphasizes recognizing less visible signs of abuse, addressing underreporting in rural and underserved communities, and building relationships with organizations that can provide services beyond what a health care setting can offer.

Associated Links

Webinar

Material Categories

Collaboration / Bridge Building

Community Organizing / Mobilization / Engagement

Raising Awareness

Prevention Programming

Trauma Informed Approach

Education

Health / Public Health

Embrace Refugee Birth

fdaza — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:21:49 +0000

Embrace Refugee Birth fdaza Wed, 07/22/2026 - 17:21

General Material

Published Date

September, 2025

Publisher(s)

Friends of Refugees

The Embrace Refugee Birth program helps refugee and other New American mothers navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period through culturally responsive education and individualized support. Services include childbirth education, postpartum doula care, breastfeeding support, language-accessible guidance, and assistance navigating healthcare systems, helping mothers build confidence, improve health outcomes, and access the resources they need during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Associated Links

Program

Webpage

Material Categories

Community Organizing / Mobilization / Engagement

Raising Awareness

Accessibility

Healthcare

Immigration / Resettlement

Public Benefits

Reproductive Justice

Communities of Color

Health / Public Health

Parenting

Supporting Black Maternal Vitality & Resiliency at the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), COVID-19, and Historical Trauma: Key Findings and Strategies

ckeene — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:58:39 +0000

Supporting Black Maternal Vitality & Resiliency at the Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), COVID-19, and Historical Trauma: Key Findings and Strategies ckeene Wed, 08/13/2025 - 09:58

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Published Date

June, 2025

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

Author(s)

Cassandra Aho

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence facilitated a series of regional convenings bringing together survivors, healthcare providers, advocates, grassroots organizers, and other professionals to explore the intersections of intimate partner violence, historical trauma, and COVID-19 and their impact on Black maternal health.

Participants identified critical areas needing improvement and developed innovative, community-driven strategies, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary training, supporting unique needs of survivors, improved cross-sector collaboration, and community resource hubs addressing barriers in accessing care.

This report captures the resulting key findings, critical areas for improvement, and promising practices to promote Black maternal vitality and narrow gaps in services for Black pregnant and birthing survivors across the United States.

Associated Files

Attachment	Size
Supporting Black Maternal Vitality & Resiliency	5.39 MB

Material Categories

Collaboration / Bridge Building

Cultural Competence

Trauma Informed Approach

Health / Public Health

Race

Resilience / Healing

ARP Series: What do advocates need to know about the connections between missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), gender-based violence, and COVID-19?

berdman — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:46:44 +0000

ARP Series: What do advocates need to know about the connections between missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), gender-based violence, and COVID-19? berdman Mon, 03/17/2025 - 13:46

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Published Date

November, 2024

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

Author(s)

Kara Cook

This Technical Assistance Question (TAQ) explores the prevalence of gender-based violence among Native women, COVID-19's impact on the Indigenous population, and how they connect to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit movement.

See more TAQs on the VAWnet News Blog.

Associated Links

ARP Series: What do advocates need to know about the connections between missin…

Material Categories

Health / Public Health

Homicide / Lethality

Sexual Violence

2024 National Prevention Town Hall

ckeene — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 16:57:40 +0000

2024 National Prevention Town Hall ckeene Thu, 08/29/2024 - 12:57

General Material

NRCDV Publications

Training Tools

Published Date

August, 2024

New Resources Added

August 29, 2024

Publisher(s)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)

What does prevention look like when rooted in community and culture, outside of systems? As we continue to navigate the impact from COVID and the many related shifts we’ve experienced in the past years, our values have transformed and so must our strategies. The 5th annual National Prevention Town Hall features anti-violence prevention approaches in the Mountain region of the United States.

This space offers a virtual gallery tour of innovative change-making projects, collectives, and approaches that fuel us all forward. This gallery tour can allow us to learn about what’s being mobilized beyond the systems we often work in for violence prevention. A panel follows the gallery tour so we can weave together meaningful connections and address questions about reconnection, restoration, and re-indigenizing practices in the Mountain region.

Presenters explore creative, sustainable approaches for advancing social change in the face of uncertainty. Across all aspects of our movement work - from housing rights to survivor healing to restorative justice - each of us plays a critical part in creating the world we wish to live into together. In the words of Gwendolyn Brooks, “We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

¿Cómo se ve la prevención cuando está cimentada en la comunidad y la cultura, al margen de los sistemas? A medida que seguimos enfrentando el impacto del COVID y los muchos cambios que hemos experimentado en los últimos años, nuestros valores se han transformado y así también deben hacerlo nuestras estrategias. El 5º Congreso Nacional de Prevención presentará los enfoques de prevención de la violencia en la Región Montañosa de los Estados Unidos.

Este espacio ofrecerá un recorrido virtual por las galerías de diferentes proyectos, colectivos y enfoques innovadores que impulsan el cambio y nos permiten avanzar a todes. Esta visita a la galería puede permitirnos conocer lo que está sucediendo en materia de prevención de violencia más allá de los sistemas con los que solemos trabajar. Luego de la visita a la galería, se llevará a cabo una mesa redonda en la que se establecerán conexiones significativas y se abordarán preguntas con relación a la reconexión, la restauración y las prácticas de reindigenización en la Región Montañosa.

Únete a nosotres para explorar los enfoques creativos y sostenibles que impulsen el cambio social frente a la incertidumbre. En todos los aspectos del trabajo que realiza nuestro movimiento, desde el derecho a la vivienda y la sanación de sobrevivientes, hasta la justicia restauradora, cada une de nosotres juega un papel fundamental en la creación del mundo en el que queremos vivir juntes. En palabras de Gwendolyn Brooks, “Somos la cosecha del otre; somos el asunto del otre; somos la magnitud y el vínculo del otre”.

Associated Links

Registration Link

Video Recording - Day 1 (English)

Video Recording - Day 1 (Spanish)

Video Recording - Day 2 (English)

Video Recording - Day 2 (Spanish)

Associated Files

Attachment	Size
Event Program (English)	5.7 MB
Event Program (Spanish)	3.16 MB
Presentation Slides - Day 1 (English)	15.51 MB
Presentation Slides - Day 2 (English)	11.18 MB
Presentation Slides - Day 1 (Spanish)	14.46 MB
Presentation Slides - Day 2 (Spanish)	9.35 MB
Graphic Recording - Day 1 (English)	7.5 MB
Graphic Recording - Day 1 (Spanish)	7.38 MB
Graphic Recording - Day 2 (English)	7.66 MB
Graphic Recording - Day 2 (Spanish)	7.57 MB
Banner Image	1.67 MB