Become Educated on Intimate Partner Violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In the US, October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, also called Intimate Partner Violence Awareness (IPV) month. IPV is, unfortunately, common in almost every community, and affects people regardless of age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality—and even profession, including surgeons.

The ACS is committed to understanding and addressing IPV in the surgeon community through education and resources. In October 2022, the ACS will offer weekly articles in the ACS Brief that provide information and action items to support members and all parts of IPV is more than just physical violence. It can include emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, among other forms. To help you understand IPV, watch the following video by D’Andrea Joseph, MD, FACS.

Get Help Today

If you or someone you know is experiencing IPV, consider using these resources for support:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline – Support is available 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY. If you are unable to speak safely, you can log onto www.thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
An interactive guide to safety planning
The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 24/7, confidential and free, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via chat
National Parent Helpline, Monday through Friday, 12:00–7:00 pm CT, 1-855-427-2736

Participate in November IPV Webinar

Next month, the ACS will host a 1-hour webinar, "Break the Cycle - An Intimate Partner Violence Conversation," which will explore the extent of IPV in the US and abroad, signs and symptoms of IPV, and the surgeon's role in IPV awareness and prevention. Join the live, moderated discussion Wednesday, November 2, and 12:00pm -1:00pm CT.

Following the structured portion, the webinar will include a Q&A session led by Barbara Bass, MD, FACS, ACS Past-President, and featuring Whitney Ross, MD, Erin Shriver, MD, FACS, and Mallory Williams, MD, FACS.

The webinar is hosted by the Society for Gynecologic Surgeons, American Academy of Ophthalmology American College of Surgeons Intimate Partner Violence Task Force, the ACS Advisory Councils for Ophthalmic Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, and the ACS Board of Governors.