On an average day, domestic violence hotlines in the United States receive more than 20,000 calls. Nationally, intimate partner violence (IPV) (i.e., domestic violence) accounts for 15 percent of all violent crimes. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. Annually, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.*
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is committed to the health, well-being, and safety of surgeons and the health care community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACS recognizes that survivors of IPV are spending increased amounts of time in isolated spaces with their abusers.
During this time, if you are experiencing IPV, the ACS encourages you to use the curated tools and resources below to aid in the maintenance of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Remember, you are not alone.
Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline
Create a Safety plan
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline is able to help develop a safety plan. Support is available 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522. Access an interactive guide to safety planning.
- If possible, consider sheltering-in-place with a trusted family member, friend, or co-worker.
Practice Self-Care
- It is important to take time for your health and wellness. How to address self-care while staying safe.
- Read more from the ACS on how to create space and focus on well-being during COVID-19.
Reach Out for Help
- If it is safe to do so, maintain social connections online or over the phone with friends and family. Additionally, attempt to remain consistent with daily routines, as much as possible.
- Check with your hospital or practice to learn if an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available. EAPs typically provide assessments, counseling, and referrals for additional services to employees with personal and/or work-related concerns, such as stress, financial issues, legal issues, family problems, office conflicts, and alcohol and substance abuse.
- Responding to Rising Intimate Partner Violence Amid COVID-19: A rapid global review
- ACS Resources – ACS Intimate Partner Violence website
- Futures Without Violence – Information on COVID-19 for abuse survivors, communities, and domestic violence and sexual assault programs
- The National Dating Abuse Helpline, 24/7, 1-866-331-9474, online chat available 4:00 pm–2:00 am Central time or by email/text using “LOVEIS” to 22522
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 24/7, confidential and free, 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via chat
- National Parent Helpline, 12:00 noon –7:00 pm Central time, Monday–Friday 1-855-427-2736
- World Health Organization – Resources on COVID-19 and violence against women and how the health sector/system can help
* https://ncadv.org/statistics
