Breaking the Silence – Public Health's Role in Intimate Partner Violence Prevention

This session of Grand Rounds explored Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm caused by a current or former partner or spouse. IPV can vary in frequency and severity. It occurs on a continuum, ranging from one episode to chronic, severe battering. IPV can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. The goal for public health is to recognize and prevent IPV.

Prevention efforts must be aimed at reducing the occurrence of intimate partner violence through the promotion of healthy, respectful, nonviolent relationships. These prevention efforts should address change at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels.

Presented By

Howard Spivak, MD
Director, Division of Violence Prevention
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
“Societal Burden of IPV and Public Health’s Relevance in Prevention”

Lynn Jenkins, PhD
Branch Chief, Etiology and Surveillance
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC
“The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey”

Kristi VanAudenhove
Co-Director
The Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance
“A State Perspective on IPV Prevention”

Debbie Lee
Senior Vice President
Futures without Violence
“National Opportunities for Preventing Intimate Partner Violence”

Facilitated By

Tanja Popovic, MD, PhD, Scientific Director, Public Health Grand Rounds
John Iskander, MD, MPH, Deputy Scientific Director, Public Health Grand Rounds
Susan Laird, MSN, RN, Communications Manager, Public Health Grand Rounds

Additional Resources

• CDC Intimate Partner Violence Website
• National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)
• Dating Matters: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships
• Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliances (DELTA)